GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — An outside investigation into alleged ethics violations by Gaston County Commissioner Cathy Cloninger has concluded, according to a fellow commissioner who spoke during a recent board meeting.
Gaston County Commissioner Jim Bailey brought the completed investigation to light just before the meeting adjourned.
The investigation was conducted by an outside investigator, who finished the report and shared it with county commissioners about a week prior to the meeting. The specific nature of the ethics allegations and the detailed findings of the investigation report have not been made public.
Gaston County Commissioner Jim Bailey, a retired law enforcement officer, interrupted the board chair right as the meeting was about to adjourn to address the board and the public. His comments were not listed on the meeting’s official agenda.
“This may take just a couple of minutes,” Bailey said during the meeting. He stated that he decided to speak up after receiving complaints from residents regarding a lack of transparency.
“I feel that the residents of Gaston County and the employees of Gaston County should be made aware of some of these issues,” Bailey said.
He noted that as a former law enforcement officer, he understands that completed investigative reports become matters of public record.
“I’m supposed to be upfront with the people, and I take that role seriously,” Bailey expressed.
Cloninger is currently seeking reelection to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners. Bailey stated that he has a good relationship with Cloninger and that holding a public discussion gives her the opportunity to speak directly to the allegations.
“She should tell her side of the story,” Bailey said. Cloninger has not yet returned calls seeking comment on the investigation.
Bailey requested that the final investigation report be officially placed on the agenda for next month’s board meeting. He said the board needs “to consider the allegations and what, if any, actions the board should take place.”
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