BY MIKE FUHRMAN
The actions of Iredell County Commissioner Gene Houpe and another prominent Republican are being scrutinized by party leaders following an incident that occurred after a local GOP executive committee meeting.
Following last Monday’s meeting in which there was a disagreement over how the executive committee should choose its “slate” of nominees for the district election, Houpe approached former committee chairman John Allen and the two men exchanged words.
When Allen walked away, Houpe followed and started shouting at him, according to Allen. “Gene starts yelling, ‘You ain’t going to call me a liar. You ain’t going to call me a liar,’ ” Allen recalled.
The commissioner then leaned over Allen, pointed a finger in his face and continued shouting. “You done picked on the wrong one to call a liar! (Expletive), go outside to the parking lot and I’ll stomp your ass,” Houpe said, according to Allen.
Other party members then intervened, Allen said.
The incident happened on Monday evening at the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Office off Bristol Drive in Statesville.
In an interview with Iredell Free News, Houpe said he regretted the incident.
“I shouldn’t have used profanity,” he said. “I was upset and mad. I should have walked away.”
He said his temper got the best of him after Allen questioned his integrity.
“From where I come from, if you call man a liar or a thief you better be ready to fight,” he said.
Houpe explained that Allen and others disrupted the meeting numerous times by objecting to motions under consideration by the executive committee on procedural grounds.
“Half of the room was frustrated with John and a few others for their disruptive behavior during the two-hour meeting. I think it just boiled over after the meeting was over,” Houpe said.
The commissioner, who is up for re-election in 2024, said he believes his opponents contacted the media about the incident in an effort to make him look bad.
“Their goal is to embarrass me. They don’t have anything to lose,” Houpe added.
The fireworks did not end when Houpe walked outside.
Before Allen could leave, Mark Cash, the president of the Iredell County Republican Men’s Club, approached Allen and threatened him.
“He said, ‘You come outside and I’ll beat your ass in the parking lot,’ ” Allen said.
Several witnesses who asked not to be identified confirmed the incidents involving Houpe and Allen and Cash and Allen.
Although neither argument resulted in a physical altercation, Allen said that he had discussed the incident with a representative of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office about possible charges.
N.C. Rep. Jeff McNeely, who attended the meeting, sent a text message to Iredell Free News, downplaying the incident.
“There really wasn’t much of a story the other night,” McNeely wrote. “Tempers flared, but nobody touched anyone. Pretty typical meeting these days.”
According to Allen, the argument began when he and other committee members voiced their objection to Chairman Gary Robinson’s plan to unilaterally replace existing 10th district members with other nominees, including Cash and former Statesville mayoral candidate Brian Summers.
“I really think that the voters of Iredell County should consider who is in charge of the Republican Party at this moment and what are their motives,” Allen said. “If they are trying to silence all the diverse voices in their own party — and we’re supposed to be a republic and they are acting with dictator type measures, it doesn’t sound like the Republican Party I’m used to. We need to consider changes.”
Allen was defeated by Robinson in the March election for party chairman by seven votes.
I believe all County Commissioners up for re-election should be replaced in the upcoming elections. They think they don’t have to follow the rules that everyone else has to follow and are freely spending our tax dollars excessively without any input from taxpayers, including secretly buying property without disclosing it to voters. They are no different than taxpayers, they should also have had proper testing done on the Chief Thomas Rd property before secretly buying it in a residential community for a trash dump. It isn’t their front yard or neighborhood they are putting it in so they don’t care about the effect it will have on the surrounding neighbors. They’ve all outlived their terms, they no longer are looking out for the best interests of our county residents.. TIME TO REPLACE THEM ALL.
I agree… replace them all … I personally never had respect for Mr Houpe… ever since he was a Statesville Police officer.
Have the next meeting at the Thunderdome and charge admission.
From where I come from, if you call man a liar or a thief you better be ready to fight,” he said. (Houpe)
This is a grown man. He is an elected official tasked with helping run this county in the best way possible for the citizens of this county. He has just stated, plainly, that he cannot control his emotions and will resort to violence if he hears something he doesn’t like. Bullying tactics used by losers.
N.C. Rep. Jeff McNeely, who attended the meeting, sent a text message to Iredell Free News, downplaying the incident.
“There really wasn’t much of a story the other night,” McNeely wrote. “Tempers flared, but nobody touched anyone. Pretty typical meeting these days.”
He said it himself. Normal operating procedure. Vote all of these clowns out of office as soon as you can. They can’t govern, or lead.
In closing, I’ll take John Allen in Round 1.
I want to hear more about the secret land purchase. IFN you need to look into that. I care more about that than the threat of John Allen getting his ass beat in the parking lot!
This is what we as citizens and taxpayers get when we vote for a political party rather than an individual running for an office. We see it with the County Commissioners as well as the I-SS Board of Education. It doesn’t stop there, look at the recent circus in the U. S. House of Representatives. Jeff McNeely said “Pretty typical meeting these days.” This coming from NC State Representative should send shockwaves through this community. I for one expect the people running for office to be ADULTS with a moral compass and true passion for doing a good job for all the voters. We simply MUST start voting for people we know to know who have integrity NOT those who just proclaim it.
It appears both the Iredell County Commissioners and the I-SS Board of Education have been elected on Political Party affiliation/ agenda rather than their interest in advancing the best interest of ALL the people of Iredell county.
Dr Dankenstien: No one takes anything you say seriously. You hide behind a fake name on your posts. Man up and use your real name. Until then, you are the real clown.
Greg: Do not dismiss me as a “no one”. Just because a pen name is used does not mean this is to be dismissed and insulted by you or anyone else. Your comment is exactly the point of the article.
Mr. Houpe implying that because someone says something you do not like is cause for a physical altercation is ridiculous. Like saying where I come from… isn’t Mr. Houpe from Iredell Co? I think most of the people from Iredell county have more sense than to utter those words.
I have an excellent idea for a political fundraiser. Gene Houpe vs. John Allen in a cage match, bare knuckle brawl, thunderdome style. If Gene gets too winded, Mark Cash will be ready to tag in.
The under card could feature Anita Kurn vs. Abby Trent, with her manager Angela Matthews.
Jeff McNeely can be in charge of all the wagering action on the match since he’s a big fan of sports betting.
This is a great opportunity to make lots of cash for the Iredell GOP.
Is this the puppet master making an anonymous appearance on IFN ??? Shocker.
That, and the greed on display during the recent property tax reevaluation should be enough to change out the room, especially the hot head, Gene Houpe
Watch British Parliament. The model for our republic. Frankly, I’d like more honest emotion than the BS line “my good friend from across the aisle.”
Absolutely disgusting. Hoping you’re primaried next cycle or have a challenger in the election.
For once I agree with McNeely. This is typical Republican behavior. They’d rather fight than govern.
Let’s not forget Rep. McNeely’s racist comments on the floor of the NC House. I wouldn’t trust his word or judgment over these other fellas.
I am a newly Unaffiliated former Democrat in heavily Republican Iredell County. Now I can make my vote count for candidates who have the courage to consider and govern for ALL voices in Iredell County not just those voices of a strident Republican faction.
Oh yes!
Someone needs to do a background check on Houpe and look at his past in Iredell County and the City of Statesville. Voters will be surprised what will show up in a report. Never have voted for him and I never will.
Not sure you could vote anyways “Judy” as no one named Judy Morris is registered to vote in Iredell County. But good job with the fake name!
There is someone named Judy T. Morris registered to vote in Iredell Co. Sorry you can’t read or operate the search function of a website, Josh.
Who hasn’t wanted to beat John Allen’s ass at one point or another? I’d say he would get winded before Houpe!
Stone Cold…40+ acres were purchased on Chief Thomas Road outside Harmony for a waste transfer station. Allegedly, the transaction was done by an individual who represented themselves as a private buyer, but was really acting on behalf of the Commissioners.
Is Richard Coleman in here yet? Seems like HALF of these aliases are him😂
Well, I’m a registered democrat in a heavily republican county and state. Where I moved from we always had an even number of democrats and republicans on the ballot. I will never forget my horror when I asked for a democrat ballot and only 4 offices could I vote for because nobody wants to buck the republican machine. Or have the money to fight them in a fair election. I’ve seen this get worse the longer I’ve lived here. When only one party is in control where is the incentive to do ANYTHING DIFFERENT! Think about it, voters!
Carolyn: If it’s so bad here you can always pack your bags and move home. Think about it!
Wondered how long it would take for the “pack your bags and move home” comment to appear.
When your property tax goes up 60%, all the commissioners need to go. Some commissioners’ property values went down so they didn’t see a tax increase.
Ira, if you are going to make accusations like that, kindly provide the details. I’m not doubting you, just need to know the details.
Kind regards,
Bucky
Tax records are public. Look it up!