here - Satellite Beach

Internet – Newspaper Archives Searches
CALVIN R. PECK, JR.
(Articles are in reverse chronological order)
Tab 9
Stateportpilot.com
September 30, 2012
Bald Head council backs manager amid residents' discontent over Munna firing
Author: Lee Hinnant
Discontent about the recent resignation of Bald Head Island’s public safety chief Jerome
(“Chip”) Munna Jr. boiled over into outrage last week when several residents demanded that the
village council fire manager Calvin Peck.
Instead, councilors offered a unanimous statement of support for Peck and insisted that Munna’s
suspension, and eventual resignation, came through a deliberate, thoughtful process that did not
directly involve council.
A 14-year veteran with the village, Munna was suspended with pay on August 17 and resigned
25 days later. Officials would say only that Munna violated a personnel policy but had not
engaged in any unlawful activity.
The event sparked backlash among some residents, who began a petition drive asking for an
investigation of the manager’s activities and asked council to fire him.
In a statement to the crowd at the September 21 meeting of council, mayor Andrew Sayre said
that Peck and human resources manager Karen Ellison “concluded that new leadership was
needed at the Public Safety Department. This is a decision with which the chief agreed and he
voluntarily resigned….
“Council supported the process undertaken by the manager and human relations director…,”
Sayre said. “Council recognizes the decision of the chief to resign is not popular with a number
of the public, as he was highly involved with the community. Chip worked closely with the
Public Safety Auxiliary and council appreciates and thanks him for his many years of service.”
The mayor said he considered the matter closed and would not entertain questions.
Resident Marilyn Ridgeway said the issue was far from over.
“This will be an ongoing petition,” she said, adding that she had collected more than 100
signatures from residents who want Peck gone.
She said the manager “thrives on discord and lawsuits” and had created a negative environment
for village employees.
“When only one voice is allowed, how can you work as a team?” Ridgeway said. “We lost the
best-loved employee on the island.”
Page 31 of 84