Concord - Saying beforehand, in a statement, that he would not be attending last night's County Commission meeting, Coy Privette still managed to steal the show.

In a statement realeased through his attorney, Cecil Jenkins, to County Manager, John Day and the rest of the Commision, Privette stated, "The issues on the agenda tonight are very important to the citizens of Cabarrus County.  My attendance may distract from the issues; therefore, I will not attend the commissioners meeting tonight."

Eventhough his seat was absent, the shock of his arrest for aiding and abetting a prostitute last week still permiated the Historic Courthouse Theater, where the meeting was held.

Commission Chair, Bob Carruth, only addressed the situation once to state that there would be no time spent on the situation regarding Mr. Privette.

Although Privette has stepped down from his leadership positions in some religous groups, he has yet to state whether or not he plans to keep his seat on the County Commission.  The Commission itself is prohibited from taking any disciplinary action against Privette, even is he is convicted, according to North Carolina law.  Privette was reelected last fall to the Commission.