Two Selma Town Council members resigned Aug. 11, citing distrust and criticism of Mayor Byron McAllister’s leadership.
Town of Selma | Contributed photo
SELMA — During the Selma Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11, two council members resigned after criticizing Mayor Byron McAllister.
Council member William Overby had served on the council since 2021 before resigning. Overby read his resignation letter toward the conclusion of the meeting. Both McAllister and council member Amy West Whitley could be heard asking Overby if he was sure about his decision before the council took a motion on his resignation.
“I’m sure, we don’t work together as a group,” Overby said in response to Whitley’s question.
Susan Parrish Watson was the second council member of the night to resign. She first read a statement explaining her decision. She criticized McAllister over his remarks regarding Charles Hester, a former Selma mayor and retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. Watson referenced an undated audio recording posted July 24 on the Life in Selma, North Carolina Facebook page, in which McAllister is heard saying, “Charles Hester did a whole lot for this community but he was an asshole.”
“So I speak out tonight to honor him in this town where he unselfishly served as mayor,” Watson said. “I waited patiently on Thursday night, hoping that Mayor McAllister would humble himself enough to apologize to the Hester family concerning the comment that he made — but, crickets. Crickets from someone whose very freedom to use such derogatory words came from this lieutenant colonel’s bravery.”
She also alluded to the possibility that she and Overby were sometimes given less information than other council members. She gave the example of a town employee receiving a $15,000 raise that was “buried” in a budget. Watson said there were no conversations about the raise and that it would not have been in the budget materials given to council members unless someone asked for a salary breakdown of each employee.
The Johnstonian News requested the town’s approved 2026-27 budget to clarify Watson’s assertion regarding the raise. As of Monday, Aug. 17, the budget was posted to the town’s site.
To close her statement before her resignation, Watson said the issue she is facing can be fixed by voting for qualified people who will take the time to research issues and understand the responsibility it takes to be a council member.
“I cannot sit on a board with people that I don’t trust, with people that I have no faith in their leadership skills or with people who are so spiteful and arrogant toward the members of this community that their attitude seems to be — rules for thee, but not for me,” Watson said, “This is your town. Are you going to show up next election and vote for sensible leadership? It’s up to you.”
Both Overby and Watson are longtime residents of Johnston County. They both attended Smithfield Selma High School.
The Johnstonian News contacted McAllister on Wednesday, Aug. 12, for further comment regarding the resignations, and he responded via email.
“The Town of Selma accepted the resignations of two Town Council Members, William Overby and Susan Parrish Watson, effective immediately during the Town Council meeting held on Aug. 11.
“The Town of Selma remains fully committed to serving its citizens with excellence and integrity. Town staff and the remaining Council members will continue to focus on the priorities that matter most to our residents: maintaining high-quality services, fostering economic development and ensuring the continued growth, progress and betterment of our community. Our dedication to the people of Selma is unwavering and we will move forward together with a shared vision for a vibrant, thriving community.”
In his email, McAllister also said the town thanks Overby and Watson for their service to the community and wishes them the best in the future. He said the vacant council seats will be filled in accordance with the town’s established procedures and North Carolina law.