“The legislature would not have the power to do what the Board of Aldermen purported to do. I think the proper thing for them to do is to vote to undo it,” Joyce said.

Alderman Andrew Carlton, who proposed the ordinance to the board, said that is Joyce’s opinion.

“There is nothing illegal about,” said Carlton. “We are just trying to get in line with the town and municipalities around us. We want to make sure those running for office have a vested interest in the town. There have been instances where people will move in just to run, get on the board and make changes for their own benefit.”

The new rules would essentially bar someone who rents their home from running for alderman or mayor in Old Fort. When asked if he believed the ordinance was discriminatory, Carlton said no.

“I have heard a lot of people say its discriminatory with lower incomes, but there are people that have plenty of money that choose not to buy a house,” he said. “We just want the best for the residents of the town.”

Bob Hall, executive director of Democracy NC, didn’t agree with Carlton’s assessment.

“It is discriminatory and a very narrow minded proposal. It’s sad to see,” Hall said Wednesday.