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Nags Head commissioners bid a heartfelt goodbye to commissioner Kevin Brinkley at the October regular meeting.

Brinkley stated that last May, he and his wife decided to pursue an opportunity to purchase a residential lot in Manteo. He notified Mayor Ben Cahoon and the members of the board about this decision.

In July, Brinkley notified town attorney John Leidy of his plans to move from his Nags Head home to a new home in Manteo, with “an interim stop along the way.” Leidy researched the rules on residency and advised Brinkley that he could maintain his role as commissioner.

Brinkley moved to a temporary residence in Manteo. Upon further research, the town attorney received a memo from the State Board of Elections clarifying the matter. Because Brinkley moved out of his election district and into a new district with the intention to remain, Leidy summarized, he shall be considered to have lost his residency in Nags Head, and would therefore be required to resign from the Board of Commissioners.

“This is not how I saw my term panning out,” Brinkley said in an emotional address to the board. “I’ve apologized to the manager, to the board – especially the mayor – because I feel like I’m kind of abandoning the town, but I feel what’s best for my family is to take advantage of this opportunity, which we have done. So, effective immediately, mayor, I would ask that you would respectfully accept my resignation from the board.”

Mayor Cahoon replied: “We do accept your resignation with great sadness this morning. There’s no need to apologize, certainly not. I know the tremendous love that you have for Nags Head and your passion for the well-being of our citizens. You’ve been a worthy commissioner. I will miss you as a commissioner, as a neighbor, and a confidant, and I have appreciated your wisdom as we have served together.”

Brinkley has served in Nags Head for over 30 years as a police officer, police chief, and commissioner. He was reelected last year to a four-year term.

Each commissioner and town manager Andy Garman shared a few words of thanks to Brinkley for his friendship and his service to the town. A recognition will be planned in the near future, the mayor stated.

Commissioner Brinkley vacated his seat immediately. After a short recess, the remaining members of the board resumed the meeting.

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