Editor’s NOTE: Letter from Hal Murray sent to Town Manager Corey Gooden, the Town Council of Edenton, and the Albemarle Observer regarding the Harbor Town Project. That’s a photo of Murray from a past council meeting.

And click here for our latest story on the matter.

To the Editor,

At the September Edenton Town Council Regular Meeting, during public comment, I requested “An accounting of Harbor Town grant expenditures and encumbered funds.”— see reference below.

In simplest terms; How much of the $2 Million Harbor Town Grant had been allocated for the Barker House; moving, site plan, etc. for Martinique; and work on the break-wall for boats docked at the town dock?

Your reply “Town Manager Corey Gooden asks Hal Murray could clarify what was meant on the dollar amount paid from Harbor Town to the Town of Edenton or paid the town of Edenton to Harbor Town.” (See reference below) is less than both satisfactory and transparent.  I believe you knew the nature of this simple question.

Fifty years ago, the movie “All the President’s Men“ taught us to “Just follow the money.”  Your lack of transparency in this matter is troubling. (See reference below)

The Kafkaesque justification that Harbor Town grant money should to be used for the Barker House and Martinique in the first place is extraordinary.

Again, in simplest terms; How much of the Harbor Town Grant has been allocated for the Barker House; moving, site plan, etc. for Martinique; work on the break-wall for boats docked at the town, and facility upgrade, i.e. shower, bathrooms?

The favor of a public reply and full disclosure is requested.  The people of Edenton have a right to know.

Respectfully,

Hal Murray, a resident of Edenton

† Agenda Packet Redacted for the Edenton Town Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, October 13th, 2026

And, from the Editor, the Follow the Money scene from All the President’s Men — a great movie that is streaming free on Netflix this month.

⁑ Kafkaesque describes a nightmarishly complex, bizarre, or illogical situation marked by senseless, oppressive bureaucracy, circular reasoning, and a feeling of helpless powerlessness. — Merriam-Webster

Council Agenda from Oct. 13th