None — In a strongly worded letter, Mecklenburg County ABC Board Chairman Parks Helms announced his resignation Thursday.
The resignation came one day after stinging criticism from state commission chair Jon Williams, in which he cast Helms as an example of the "culture of entitlement" he says has pervaded the ABC.
Helms defended his conduct in his letter, saying he was being used as a scapegoat and accusing Gov. Bev Perdue of authorizing the chairman to "trample on my name for political gain."
To read the full text of the letter, click here.
Board member Elton Shoemaker spoke to Eyewitness News by phone Thursday night. Shoemaker said he stands by asking Helms to resign. He also said he found it strange Helms didn't admit to any wrongdoing or bad judgment in his resignation letter.
He added that he wasn't surprised by Helms' strong comments about the board.
ABC Board CEO Calvin McDougal said, "I am saddened by the loss of dedicated public servant. His history in this community speaks for itself."
Previous Stories: January 13, 2010: Alcohol Meeting Discusses Broader Ethics Policy January 12, 2010: Mecklenburg Co. ABC Board Chairman Won't Resign January 11, 2010: Big Meals, Salaries Boost Liquor Reform Chances
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