Council often short one voter
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on July 21, 2013 1:50 AM
Goldsboro City Councilman William Goodman's absence from the July 15 City Council meeting makes his sixth absence from the 13 council meetings held so far this year.
Goodman blamed his attendance record on a growing variety of "serious medical issues."
"I have been hospitalized with life-threatening issues," he said.
Goodman said the absences were caused by times he was in the hospital or coming home from a stint in the hospital.
He said that his myriad of health concerns involving his back, feet and viral infections were independent of each other. He said he was also undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
"I am through with chemo now," Goodman said.
Goodman said the chemotherapy was not cancer- related.
In addition to missing the city council meetings, Goodman also missed an Internet ethics training seminar on Dec. 10, 2012.
Goodman was sworn in to office on Aug. 6 and didn't miss any council meetings in 2012 except for the ethics Webinar.
After missing the first council meeting of the year, he has missed one meeting every month except in May, when he attended both council meetings.
Goodman said he is still able to serve his constituents responsibly and that he stays "on top of things."
When asked if it was hard to stay on top of city issues while not being at so many meetings, Goodman responded, "No, it's not with me."
"I read my agenda online and I call the other council members," he said.
Councilman Gene Aycock verified that Goodman has called him "at least twice" to discuss city issues.
Goodman commented that in years past when he served on the council he also missed council meetings for health reasons.
Goodman said his constituents are aware of his health concerns and that not a day goes by that he doesn't receive calls from them expressing their concerns for his health.
"I don't see where it is a big issue," said Goodman, adding that he does not know whether he will seek re-election in 2016.