The ongoing spat between the Hertford County Board of Commissioners and officials with the Town of Winton reminds us of two overgrown bullies fighting over the same turf.

Please stop this Hertford County version of a “Hatfield and McCoy” feud before it’s too late to mend the wounds of an unnecessary struggle.

The County of Hertford and the Town of Winton forged a partnership long ago. Those two local government entities have shared the same high bluff of land overlooking the scenic Chowan River for the past 245 years. One would think that long relationship is beneficial to both.

Based on recent actions, it’s becoming very apparent that a sibling rivalry has developed. Maybe it was fostered years ago and is just now reaching the surface.

Whatever the case, this is not about who’s right and who’s wrong over issues that have developed in regards to the county opting to build a much-needed new courthouse in Winton. Rather, this is about what’s best for all citizens in the county, including those residing within Winton.

The County Commissioners and the Winton Town Council need to demonstrate the qualities that have made them effective leaders. With the county becoming a choice location for new, green energy companies, we need to show a unified face, not a bunch of cry babies who are upset because they cannot get their way.

Our best advice is for each entity to bury their childlike actions deep inside their respective toy boxes, put aside their differences, shake hands and act like adults. The local area, the region and the world is watching.

– The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald