Money Questions: Richwood Residents Speaking Out

John Godfrey has lived in Richwood for 45 years. He says in Ed Harris 24 years as mayor, he has seen the town flourish and thrive and that whatever funds Harris wrote for himself was well deserved. Godfrey said, "For the past 24 years hes brought this town up." Godfrey also says he has seen the Richwood handbook, and as far as hes concerned, Harris was within his rights to write those checks. He said, "I know for a fact, a fact...what he did was fair and within the guidelines." According to Ed Harris, the Richwood Handbook states that giving severance packages to town employees is legal, even 72 thousand dollars worth, because he added that clause in April. But some citizens want an investigation. Rev. Robert Brown, another Richwood Citizen said, "If indeed this much money was taken away from Richwood, illegally, then we need to seek other sources so that we can see what happened to this money." Mayor Steve Hunter says the town is broke. Brown says, "To start in the red is really a heartache." Others say they agree. Dr. Carrie Frazier Brown, a Richwood Citizen said, "There is a great sadness and a spirit of query on the part of the citizens of Richwood." Dr. Brown says she knows both Harris and Hunter personally and says they are both great men, but says the money situation leaves her with questions. She said, "What is happening is not the Ed Harris that I know." All citizens say they are hoping for a solution. Dr. Brown said, "I hope that there is a speedy resolution to the problem." Godfrey said, "I wish everyone would come together and do whats best for the town." -Candace Miers, NBC 10 News