This is the resignation letter submitted by Building Code Enforcement Director Pete Bogle:

Dec. 20 will be my last day as the director of Building Code Enforcement for Rowan County.
I have very much enjoyed serving in this role for the last 13 months, but as was openly discussed with the county manager as I applied for the position, I never intended for this to be a long term job. Being an architect was and is still my career path. I am excited at the opportunity to rejoin my colleagues at Ramsay Burgin Smith to once again be a contributing part of a great team of architects.
While moving back to architecture was the intent all along, it has come earlier than I thought it would for two main reasons. First, the world of construction is rebounding and there are projects to be designed. When architecture is in your blood, it’s a hard call to resist. Second, and most importantly, the Building Code Enforcement office is ready for the next chapter. They are a great staff, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with every one of them.
The front office is courteous and efficient. Cathy Shoaf and Jennifer Curlee have well-established relationships with local contractors and quite often receive compliments from out-of-town contractors who come in to use our services. Thomas O’Kelly, whom I have recommended as the next director, is very well known and accepted by contractors and citizens alike. If you can’t get along with Thomas, then you’re just not trying. On top of that, from plan review through to final inspections, he is the veteran of this department and truly knows the business. I have also recommended David Prevette to be the next full time plan reviewer/manager. David has been doing part-time plan review for the department for some time now and does not flinch at the complexities of projects from hospital renovations to the new 660,000 square foot Gildan factory.
Having worked with inspectors from other counties as an architect, I can honestly say that I’d put Rowan County’s field inspectors up against any inspections team in the state. They really are that good. Dale Drye, Scott Lowder, David Lowman and Lee Young possess a depth of knowledge and, more importantly, a teamwork mentality that defines the phrase “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” One of my last tasks will be hiring an additional inspector so that my vacancy is immediately replaced, and the team doesn’t miss a beat.
I know there will be some in the construction community who will be disappointed at the news of my leaving. I encourage you to continue to give the same support to the inspections staff that you are now showing. Trust me — those guys are the ones who make it happen, and with your support, it will continue to run smoothly and even improve. I’m not going far and will still be available for consultation and specialized services that I offered while with the department. However, for all things permitting and inspections related, the current staff is more than equipped and ready to handle your every need. I care enough about the department that I would not leave if I did not honestly believe this.
In light of a recent email exchange published in Post, I also feel it necessary to publicly state that the commissioners’ responses have no bearing on my job change decision. The plan to return to Ramsay Burgin Smith was being worked out long before my email was written. Our commissioners have an impossibly difficult job. While I may not always agree with their stance on a specific matter, I do respect their positions. When Rowan County’s commissioners, past and present, work together as a team, seeking guidance from the county manager, utilizing expert input from the county staff, and listening to the voice of the citizens, the right and best decisions do rise to the top. I will continue not to fight but to lend support and encouragement toward finding what is collectively best for all county citizens. I’m only one voice and one perspective and cannot by myself have all of the answers. I’m a firm believer that it takes collective input to make decisions that are for the good of the collective whole. Our county, cities and towns desperately need to come together as one community as we seek to move forward.
I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve my home county. I’m proud to live, work and raise my family in the same area where my grandfathers and great-grandfathers plowed their fields. I will continue to look for ways to serve this community so that, God willing, one day my daughters will want to stay and call Rowan County their home as well.