Hamlet, NC – The small city of Hamlet is facing what many residents describe as an identity crisis, stemming from a series of political controversies, leadership questions, and persistent infrastructure issues. Citizens say the combination of scandals and neglect has eroded their trust in local government and jeopardized the city’s future.
City Manager Under Fire
At the center of the storm is City Manager John Terziu, (who does not reside in the town of Hamlet), whose tenure has been marked by allegations, controversy, and questions about his qualifications.
A former female Hamlet police officer has accused Terziu of sexual harassment, a claim that continues to draw scrutiny. Former Police Chief Tommy Brown has publicly alleged that his termination stemmed from his decision to investigate those accusations. According to Brown’s attorneys, his firing was retaliation for carrying out his duties.
City officials, however, maintain that Brown’s removal was directed by the Council itself, raising new questions about what members knew regarding the allegations against Terziu.
Residents and some city employees are also questioning Terziu’s hiring in the first place. Despite being selected as City Manager, he reportedly lacked the Master’s of Public Administration degree typically required for the position. In fact, Terziu is currently enrolled at UNC–Chapel Hill in an effort to earn the degree, meaning he did not meet the criteria at the time of his appointment.
Critics point to Council Member and former Mayor Abbie Covington as the key figure behind Terziu’s selection, describing him as her “handpicked” choice. Covington, who has held influence in Hamlet politics for decades, has often been viewed as one of the city’s most powerful figures. While supporters credit her with years of service, others allege she has been at the center of backroom politics and decisions that have stalled the city’s progress. Some community members now openly say she is a driving force behind much of Hamlet’s current decline.
The Water Crisis
Beyond the political scandal, Hamlet residents are dealing with what they perceive as a far more pressing threat: their water supply.
For months, locals have complained that their tap water often smells like sewage and fluctuates in color from brown to green. Families have resorted to purchasing bottled water daily, with many questioning whether the system is safe at all.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed in March 2025 that Hamlet was the subject of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment for violations involving sewage sludge management.
Adding to the frustration, city records show that Hamlet has received millions of dollars in grants over recent years, specifically intended for water plant improvements and downtown restoration. According to residents and records reviewed, those funds were never applied to those purposes, leaving both projects stalled and the community demanding answers.
Allegations of Misuse of Funds
Concerns about financial accountability have also reached the mayor’s office. Multiple residents and city workers allege that the Mayor used city funds to purchase tarps for privately owned buildings belonging to her, and that city employees were directed to install them. Critics argue that this represents a misuse of taxpayer resources at a time when the city’s essential infrastructure remains underfunded and neglected.
Private Council Meetings Raise Questions
Frustration has also grown over how the City Council conducts its business. Several residents and at least one council member have alleged that private meetings have been held without full participation, with one council member reportedly excluded altogether. Citizens argue that this practice undermines transparency and fuels the perception of backroom decision-making.
Public Trust at an All-Time Low
Many residents now say their trust in Hamlet’s City Council has been shattered. Several have expressed outrage at the lack of transparency, pointing out that even the city budget cannot be accessed without going through Terziu himself.
But hope for change may be on the horizon. Community members are rallying behind newcomers like Esco Latimer, a Marine veteran running for Council, and Raymond Mills, a mayoral candidate. Both have pledged to restore transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in city government.
“Hamlet has been stuck in a cycle of mismanagement and backroom politics,” one resident told us. “We need leaders who will put the people first, not cover for each other.”
A City at the Crossroads
Once known for its tight-knit community and small-town resilience, Hamlet now stands at a crossroads. With mounting political scandals, unsafe water, allegations of financial misuse, and a frustrated citizenry, many fear the city is in danger of losing not only its identity but also its future.
Whether voters choose to replace the current leadership in the upcoming election or whether the existing Council can regain public trust remains to be seen.
Note to Readers:
On September 17, 2025, The Daily Counter News sent an official Freedom of Information Act request to Heather Hawks, City Clerk of Hamlet, as directed on the City of Hamlet’s public page. This request has not been viewed or acknowledged by the City.
Within this request, The Daily Counter News asked for the City Budget from the last 4 years, including all salaries for Council Members, as it is rumored that the City Manager earns approximately $135,000 a year from a town that is in steady decline.