Duplin County commissioner David Fussell convinced his colleagues this week to freeze hiring for county government jobs and to order the county manager to “explore ways to consolidate county departments and offices.” Fussell also presented five other cost-saving proposals. “In making his presentation, Fussell said he had sought the advice of
the John Locke Foundation, a conservative think tank, and of Duplin
County residents who, like him, are concerned about the county’s
finances and future,” according to the Goldsboro News-Argus. Meanwhile, the Clay County Republican Party cited John Locke Foundation research in a recent e-mail: “Freedom Works  & John Locke Foundation  both agree that the ‘Land Transfer Tax’ is bad for Citizens.”