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It is OK to 'cheer or boo' suggested library sites
To the Editor:
If I understand Dottie Hoche's letter correctly in the last issue of the Herald (April 22, 2004), I have been taken to task because I voiced my pleasure at learning that the chairman of the county commissioners intends to recommend the old Sylva School location as a possible site for the new library.
I'm afraid I don't understand the reason for Hoche's displeasure. I had not known, prior to Chairman (Stacy) Buchanan's recommendation that this site was available. I would venture to say that a large number of former graduates of the old school like me (class of 1953) were also unaware of that fact. Surely, it is in the best interests of our citizenry that they know that this site is among those to be considered by the site selection committee.
Further, I have the right to voice my opinion just as hundreds of residents of this county do in this paper each year. They speak in support of (or opposition to) issues that affect them. I suspect that I am not the only resident who will be prompted to voice an opinion about the old Sylva School site.
To suggest that I have violated some protocol seems strange. I am not a county commissioner. I am merely a resident exercising my rights as a citizen to participate in a public forum and to voice my opinion.
There is a significant irony in the fact that, only a year ago, the controversy regarding our library developed because the residents of this county were left out of the decision-making process; yet here we are being advised to be quiet because other groups are in the process of making that decision for us.
Is it possible that an organization, which was created to assure our right to participate in the planning for a new library, has now become an advocate of repression and silence? Is it possible that in its zeal to accomplish its goal, it is in danger of becoming a replica of the process it originally opposed?
I am delighted that we have a site selection committee, and I am eager to read their final report. I am confident that their findings will probably be logical and appropriate. However, that report is not inviolate. We are free to question it just as we questioned the decision that was made without our participation a year ago.
Finally, the analogy that compares the publishing of an opinion to a rude and inconsiderate line-breaker just doesn't work. Who established the line? Who decided that we should stand like obedient sheep waiting for some authority to beckon us forward? Rather, we are spectators who are watching a significant event unfold. It is OK to cheer or boo. We are allowed to become a part of the action.
Gary Carden
Sylva
Disappointed with format at first transportation study meeting
To the Editor:
I attended the first meeting of the new Jackson County Transportation Commission, which resulted from the release of the DOT's feasibility study on a Southern Loop By-Pass. A large, diverse group reacted to this study by forming the Smart Roads Alliance, and the towns of Sylva, Dillsboro, and Webster passed resolutions opposing further consideration of a new road in favor of alternative transportation solutions for Jackson County. Approximately 3,000 people signed petitions that conveyed the same message to local government and DOT officials, and the county Commissioners passed a resolution calling for the formation of a commission of representatives from different community stakeholders, including only one representative from the Smart Roads Alliance.
Although I'm going to offer some constructive criticism of the process, I want to emphasize that I view the purpose of this commission as essential and worthwhile. I believe the DOT staff member in charge, Beverly Williams, is a fair and capable person. The different elements within our community need to sit down together and plan for the future in just this manner.
I was disappointed in the meeting format and the lack of a democratic mechanism built into its structure. Williams began by informing commission members, "This is what we're going to do…" She outlined the need to collect different types of data and informed members that it was going to be a long process, all of which seemed valid, but, all of which reflected what the DOT expects. There was no opportunity for other members to relate what they expected. I suppose a member could have interrupted and insisted on being heard but only at the risk of seeming rude and disruptive. As a member of the Smart Roads Alliance I know that we worked to prepare a position statement to present at the first meeting. But there was no opportunity for that position to be heard. I would have liked to hear what other stakeholders expected.
Although it was made clear that the DOT would facilitate the meetings, there are different ways of interpreting that role. It seems apparent that the DOT has a "boilerplate" format for this type of project and Williams is operating under the assumption it will be followed here. Members should be consulted before the process begins.
Williams also informed members that they would consider roads before walkways, greenways, bike paths, public transportation or other aspects of a multi-modal system. She explained "this is because everything depends on the location of roads, and is built around the location of roads." My impression is that Williams is a sincere and honest person, but she is influenced heavily by her training and indoctrination by DOT culture that sees everything in terms of roads. The DOT was born into the culture of the automobile as the only mode of transportation. Their primary and almost exclusive focus is on locating and constructing roads. The old saying is "When you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail."
The role of facilitator can have at least two interpretations. A facilitator can lead and direct, or remain neutral, but maintain order while members work out differences and arrive at a community-based and agreed-upon plan. I think most in Jackson County would agree DOT's role should be the latter. The community should decide what it wants, and DOT should help implement the plan. Period.
I was also disappointed that the commission decided not to meet again until July. This time-lapse was provided to allow for the collection of data to continue the process outlined by the DOT. But, this also means that it will be another three months before the members can hear each other's perspective on the group's ultimate goals. The first item on the July agenda should be introductions and a chance for each member to describe their objectives and perspectives. If the process simply steam-rolls forward under DOT directorship, it will lose public credibility, and we'll be back to ground zero in terms of community cooperation in arriving at a transportation plan.
Surprisingly, I was the only member of the public observing the first meeting of the transportation commission. The only others were two DOT officials and two newspaper reporters. Most likely this was because the meeting was not well publicized, and the purpose of this commission hasn't been clearly defined. I hope that future meetings will be better attended and the public maintains a close watch.
If you're concerned about the by-pass issue, this is where the action is now.
Avram Friedman
Sylva
Sylva drivers need consequences for bad behavior
To the Editor:
I have read that Sylva ranks 13th in the state for cities of its size in terms of the number of vehicle accidents, according to the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2002, according to Sylva Police Chief Jeff Jamison, Sylva had 511 accidents, two of those being fatal. He blames the crash ratio on increased traffic and congestion, noting N.C. 107 as one of the primary causes.
I see things differently. Though I do agree with Chief Jamison that Sylva is a "high crash area," I do not concur as to the reasons. When the Jackson County Transportation Task Force met April 20, they discussed what roads to examine, administration of the task force, the geographical scope of the task force, and other such topics. I think they would better serve the community if they study Jackson County drivers.
There is no doubt (after living here more than three years) Jackson County (especially the Sylva area) is a dangerous place to drive. Both our vehicles have been rear-ended and one has been hit in a parking lot. I'm not going to say that drivers here do not know how to drive. I will say they drive recklessly, as carelessly and daring as I've seen anywhere, and I've had a license for 48 years, driven in many states, and several foreign countries.
Drivers in Jackson County routinely: speed, follow too close, fail to signal their intentions, cut you off, fail to stop at stop signs or yield at yield signs and generally, simply drive with little consideration for other drivers. And that is why there are so many (what we commonly call) "accidents" here.
What we're talking about is bad behavior, and bad behavior flourishes in an environment where there are no real consequences for bad behavior, and that, I believe, is what we have in Jackson County. Drivers instinctively know that their chances of being caught are slim, and even if they are caught, the likelihood of their suffering any real consequence is equally slim, given the law and law enforcement's forgiving attitude.
I do everything I know to do to avoid being hit by an errant driver. I expect that when I go around a curve someone will be coming the other way on my side of the road. I expect the driver ahead of me to turn without signaling. I expect the driver behind me to be on my bumper and attempt to get one car length ahead at the first opportunity. I expect drivers not to signal their intent. Police don't often signal; why should the average driver?
Until there are substantial consequences for driving badly, Sylva and Jackson County will continue to experience a high rate of accidents and fatalities.
David Snell
Dillsboro
Proud of community's response to The Laramie Project
To the Editor:
I often think about writing a letter to the paper, usually over something that has annoyed me like overfilled bins at the recycling centers. Then I get busy and forget to gripe.
Well, this time I am writing as soon as I can and not to gripe, but to praise. For some time we have been on edge about the production of The Laramie Project and the impending protests from the members of the Phelps family and members of Westboro Baptist Church. Many unsavory things could have happened. Instead, the community came together and has made Jackson County proud.
First of all, Claire Eye and students at WCU had the courage to bring The Laramie Project to campus. This was an incredible act of bravery. The local media were supportive, exercised restraint and reported fairly and without sensationalism.
The various law enforcement agencies provided not just security but reassurance while protecting the freedom of speech for all involved. The University faculty and administration supported the project and made sure that everyone concerned knew they were involved and cared about not just what was going on WCU's campus but also the welfare of the entire community during some tense times.
To every member of the cast and crew of The Laramie Project, you deserve a medal for one of the finest productions I have ever seen at WCU. Also, I commend everyone in the Jackson County community for their tolerance and patience.
This is truly the finest place in the whole world to live, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Dottie Brunette
Cullowhee
Sidewalk litter needs to be addressed
To the Editor:
Though Earth Day has just passed, celebrated with river and community clean-ups, it is obvious that the earth is in bad shape as one makes use of the sidewalk between Wal-Mart and downtown.
The areas and flower beds adjacent to the sidewalk, to put it in my great-aunt's vernacular, are "nasty," making the walk most unpleasant and mitigating the purpose of the new sidewalk.
A huge portion of the litter consists of cigarette butts, millions of them everywhere. I think if the town of Sylva sponsored a contest as to the most butts that could be retrieved at any one site, Ryans Steak House would win, with Wal-Mart coming in a close second. The pansy beds in front of Macon Bank are filled with butts.
The second most pervasive litter is trash that has been discarded on empty lots. Could the owners of these lots accept the responsibility of maintaining their property?
So, I have some ideas. I would like to see town government place frequent signs along the walkway indicating that discarding cigarette butts is against the law. I would like to see each business along the walkway maintain the site in front of their business and conduct daily pickup duty. I would like the town to put pressure on owners of vacant lots to keep their lots clean.
And, I wondered if the town could sponsor a clean up of N.C. 107 between Wal-Mart and downtown. I would certainly help, but it is too massive for one person to do alone.
Really folks, when one is walking, it is difficult to know of the pride that citizens take in this community and town. If you are eating at Ryans, walk around front and take a look. The next time you are driving along that stretch, park somewhere and walk a few feet. What do you think?
Linda Watson
Sylva
Library at Mark Watson would be 'wonderful'
To the Editor:
How wonderful, I thought, as I read the letter from Gary Carden in the April 15 edition of The Sylva Herald concerning the possibility of the library being relocated to the site of the old Sylva High School at Mark Watson Park. This ground is level, has adequate parking and is easily accessible.
A number of people wanted to save the old high school building, speaking of its history, architecture and unique design. It would be truly admirable if the library could be built there and have a resemblance to the front of the old school building.
Can you imagine the thoughts and feelings of former Sylva High students as they return and see a structure reminiscent of their old school?
The construction of the library would provide this, as well as being a center of culture and learning, much like the school once was.
What a wise use this would be of now empty space.
Edie Galloway
Whittier |
