By Gene Galin
Siler City, NC – In an engaging and candid conversation at The Broken Spit, the three guys Pittsboro, Greg Stafford, Eric Andrews and I sat down with North Carolina State Representative Robert Reives to discuss everything from the intricacies of legal practice to the challenges of local governance. With humor and nostalgia, our group reflected on our personal experiences, which reveal the deep connections that tie together the community of Chatham County. This article captures Part 1 of the discussion, focusing on our shared history, local politics, and the role of public service.
A Humble Beginning: Building Connections in the Legal World
The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted recollection of Robert Reives’ early career as a prosecutor in Sanford, North Carolina. Greg Stafford recounts how, as an out-of-town attorney, he faced the cold shoulder from local lawyers—except for Reives, who extended a hand of friendship and guidance.
“I remember going to Sanford as an out-of-town attorney, and nobody wanted to deal with me,” he recalls. “Robert was the only one who would speak to me, who would tell me what’s going on and show me the ropes. That meant a lot.”
Reives downplays the memory, emphasizing that he was simply being decent. Yet, it would seem that this act of kindness laid the groundwork for a long-standing friendship that has endured through the years.
Greg also remembers how easy it seemed to earn fees in the early days before the legal system tightened its stance on drunk driving. A particularly vivid memory shared was about a novice attorney’s first experience handling a DWI case in Sanford. “I remember my first DWI case, and it was reduced to ‘Careless and Reckless’ with minimal effort,” Greg said.
Navigating the Waters of Local Politics
As the conversation progresses, it turns toward the political landscape of Chatham County. One of the most pressing issues discussed is the ongoing challenge of water and sewer infrastructure—a topic that Reives has been involved in since the early days of his political career.
“When I first got into politics, Mike Cross, who was a county commissioner at the time, took me out to lunch,” Reives shares. “He didn’t talk about support or politics. He said, ‘You’re going to have to learn about water and sewer. That’s our biggest problem.’”
This advice proved prophetic, as Reives quickly realized that without adequate infrastructure, the county’s growth would be stunted. The discussion highlights the complexities of securing funding and managing resources to ensure sustainable development in the region.
“We’ve probably gotten about three or four hundred million dollars dedicated to water infrastructure, and we still don’t have enough,” Reives notes. “It’s a real challenge, but it’s one that we’re committed to solving.”
While the issue of water and sewer might not be glamorous, it is vital to the future of Chatham County.
A Deep Personal Connection: Family, Faith, and Community
Beyond the realms of law and politics, the conversation took a more personal turn as Reives opens up about his family life. I express my admiration for his wife and daughter, whom I had recently met at the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association event.
“You married above your pay grade,” I tease Robert, referring to his wife.
Reives laughs and shares the story of how he met his wife at a Baptist youth convention when they were both 14. Reives humorously recounts how their early interactions were more focused on social dynamics than romance, but their connection grew stronger over time. Despite their young age, it was clear even then that she was someone special.
Their relationship blossomed from a casual high school prom date, which he recounts with a mix of nostalgia and humor. “I asked her to the prom at McDonald’s,” Reives says with a smile. Despite the unconventional setting, the date turned out to be a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of their lasting relationship.
The conversation also touches upon Reives’ daughter, Brianna, who is about to begin college at UNC Charlotte. The pride in Reives’ voice is evident as he speaks about her achievements and their close-knit family dynamics. He describes the close bond she shares with her mother and grandmother, noting how “seeing them together, you’d think you had three parts of the same person in the room.”
The Challenges of Public Service: Balancing Politics and Integrity
As the conversation shifts back to politics, Reives reflects on the challenges of public service, particularly in a polarized political climate. We all kind of acknowledge the difficulties of navigating the complex world of state politics, where decisions are often influenced by party lines and special interests.
However, we also commend Reives for his ability to work across the aisle, building relationships with colleagues from both parties to achieve common goals.
“Robert will fight with you all day long, but at the end of the day, he’ll make the right decision and join you in doing what helps people,” Greg Stafford adds.
Reives smiles and responds, emphasizing that his focus is always on what’s best for the people he represents. He shares anecdotes about working with various political figures, including Republicans, to pass legislation that benefits the community.
“It’s not about politics,” Reives asserts. “It’s about doing what’s right for the people.”
Honoring a Friend: Swearing in Sheriff Mike Robertson
The conversation then turns to a recent event where Reives had the honor of swearing in Mike Robertson as the president of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.
“Mike and I have stuck with each other through some hard times,” Reives shares. “When he called me to let me know he was going to be president, I was just excited for him. And then he said he wanted me to swear him in—that meant the world to me,” Reives said. “Mike could have chosen anyone, but he asked me, and it was a true honor.”
Reives reflects on the significance of the moment, not just for him personally, but for the community as a whole. He speaks fondly of the close relationship he has built with the Sheriffs’ Association over the years, noting that it has allowed him to advocate for law enforcement in ways that transcend political boundaries.
“It was an honor to swear in one of my best friends,” Reives says. “And to be able to do it in front of so many people who have supported us along the way—that was something special.”
The Future of Chatham County: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities
We turn our attention to the future of Chatham County. We discuss the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in managing the county’s rapid growth while preserving its unique character.
A significant portion of our discussion focuses on infrastructure issues, particularly water and sewer systems. Reives explains the complexities involved in securing funding and managing resources for growing communities like Pittsboro.
Reives reminisced about the early days of Chatham Park and the legislative battles required to secure water and sewer infrastructure. He detailed the challenges faced and the substantial financial commitments involved, citing figures in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that more work remains to be done. “Even with significant investments, we’re still fighting to meet the demands of growth,” he said.
Reives emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning and investment in infrastructure, particularly in water and sewer, to ensure that the county can accommodate new residents and businesses without losing its charm.
“We’ve got to be smart about how we grow,” Reives says. “It’s not just about building more houses. It’s about making sure we have the resources and infrastructure to support that growth.”
While growth brings opportunities, it also comes with responsibilities.
A Conversation Rooted in Friendship and Service
Our lunch at The Broken Spit offers a glimpse into the life and work of Representative Robert Reives. In a world where politics often seems divisive and self-serving, I thought our lunch conversation was a refreshing reminder of the power of integrity, kindness, and community.
Public Service and Political Insight
Transitioning to political matters, Reives provided insights into the ongoing challenges and triumphs of his role as a representative. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on infrastructure issues, particularly water and sewer systems. Reives explains the complexities involved in securing funding and managing resources for growing communities like Pittsboro.
Reives reminisced about the early days of Chatham Park and the legislative battles required to secure water and sewer infrastructure. He detailed the challenges faced and the substantial financial commitments involved, citing figures in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that more work remains to be done. “Even with significant investments, we’re still fighting to meet the demands of growth,” he said.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
As the conversation drew to a close, Reives offered his perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for his community. He emphasized the need for continued focus on infrastructure development, particularly in addressing water and sewer needs, which he sees as critical to supporting future growth.
Additionally, Reives acknowledged the evolving political landscape and the importance of adapting to new challenges while remaining true to one’s values. “The issues we face today are not dissimilar to those of the past,” he noted. “The key is to remain dedicated to serving the community’s needs while navigating the complexities of modern politics.”
Detailed Summary for 3 Guys from Pittsboro Having Lunch at The Broken Spit with Robert Reives – Part 1
“Three Guys from Pittsboro Have Lunch with Robert Reives – Part 1”
00:14 Robert Reives helping with legal matters in Sanford
Robert Reives supported and guided a fellow attorney in Sanford
First DWI case handled by the attorney resulted in a quick resolution
02:27 Discussing meeting Greg in Sanford and his career as an attorney
Greg was the first attorney in the area to start doing mail for traffic tickets, which was a big deal
He was easy-going, decent, and a pleasant guy to deal with in the courtroom
04:24 Memorable prom night and unexpected dating journey
Initial encounter at McDonald’s leading to a friendly prom date
Gradual transition from friends to dating, shifting focus from Carolina activities to spending time with her
06:06 Robert Reives praises the strong relationships among the women in his family.
Reives admires the close bond between his wife and daughter.
He highlights the positive dynamic between the women in his family and their strong friendships.
08:12 Importance of water infrastructure in local development
Initial discussion with Mike Cross about water and sewer challenges in the community
Collaboration with Chatham Park to finance water and sewer projects for future development
10:03 Insufficient water infrastructure funding
Challenges with sewer affecting growth and development
Need to prioritize water and sewer infrastructure for community growth
11:59 Building a strong bond with Mike through political events and experiences.
Met Mike at a church event where he was the Chief Deputy for Richard.
Stuck with each other through tough political times leading to Mike asking to be sworn in as president.
13:39 Reflections on relationships with Sheriff’s Association and past presidents
Importance of building relationships with individuals from both political parties within the Sheriff’s Association
Personal experiences with past presidents of the Sheriff’s Association