GEORGETOWN, S.C. — The Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council voted Tuesday night to uphold last week’s reassessment vote to remove Abdullah Mustafa from the board.

By a vote of 54 to 29, Abdullah Mustafa was voted off of the WEOC board of directors in the precinct he had served since last year.

Tuesday, the remaining board members voted to support that decision meaning Mustafa is no longer a board member.

Mustafa left before that portion of the meeting took place.

His reassessment was required by the state because, they say, his original election was not in accordance with the EOC's bylaws.

Removing Mustafa from the board was on the list of corrections the Office of Economic Opportunity said must take place before 5 p.m. today to avoid the implementation of the process of closing the agency.

A special meeting will be held Thursday for the board to begin the process of filling Miustafa’s seat.

OEO Director Louise Cooper said she could not comment on the impact the board’s decision will have on the possible closure.

However, there are other issues that must be addressed by the board before today’s deadline to stave off the threat of closure.

The board must also take steps showing it no longer interferes with the day to day activities of the agency.

Executive Director fired

As reported Wednesday, the board voted 6-1 Tuesday night to terminate WEOC Executive Director Elizabeth Fryar.

Cooper said although the board — unlike when they tried to fire her in April —did follow the proper procedure to terminate Fryar, it is believed the decision was illegal.

“The termination of the executive director is within the board's powers as long as they follow their own by-laws and any other laws governing termination. The board published the notice that this would be taken up on the agenda 10 days in advance, so this item does not affect the audit,” Cooper said.

However, Cooper confirmed what Mustafa told reporters Tuesday after he cast the lone “no” vote.

Fryar has been out on medical leave for the past couple of weeks.

“As to terminating an employee who is on medical leave, I believe the board's attorney, Ralph Wilson advised them against it, per the tape of the meeting. I believe it violates the Family Medical Leave Act, which is federal law,” Cooper said.

Fryar said she cannot comment on the board’s decision.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com