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Government should not control church services
To the Editor:
Several voices of protest have been raised recently concerning HR235, which is currently before the US House of Representatives.
This bill is sponsored by Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina. I have heard Congressman Jones speak in person concerning this bill.
I am totally in favor of this important piece of legislation. I do not believe that the government should ever control the contents of any church service. I believe that all clergy should be free to speak out on all moral and political issues of the day.
For many years our friends in the black churches have spoken out eloquently on issues such as civil rights. I am in favor of their freedom without the threat of losing the tax-exempt status of the church.
Benny Bagwell
Pastor, Victory Baptist Church
Planning meeting informative, awakening
To the Editor:
The meeting of citizens interested in the transportation planning for our area proved to be informative and awakening. The informative part was a picture of the progression of steps and how various agencies intersect with each other and the community. The awakening part for me was the certainty of the growth and the uncertainty of what it will mean to Sylva.
I was pleased to hear (Commissioners’ Chairman) Brian McMahan voice his support to put forth the needed approval so that work may continue on various options to be considered for addressing our present and future transportation needs.
I was most impressed by the sense of inevitability of this growth to our area as described by the transportation expert. And even more so by her understanding that the change can be both painful and fearful. Her hope for us was that we may manage to stay united and partners in the process so that we were getting what we wanted even if it was out second choice.
When I asked if she knew of any community that was successful in not allowing growth she cited in Chapel Hill as a city that tried to avoid it but failed. What they did accomplish was to maintain a small town feel because that was important to them. It is my hope that Sylva can do the same.
As a shop owner, I would like to see our downtown area grow into the full realization of its ideal as a collection of individually owned and unique shops that offer both merchandise and a free spirit.
If it is so that the future will bring us all the chain stores and franchises, then may it also mean that a thriving downtown will exist to balance the big business with the small business.
Dottie Hoche
Sylva
Resident opposes annexation
To the Editor:
In regards to possible annexation of outlying areas of the city of Sylva, I would remind the planner of Sylva that by N.C. General Statute 160A-49, a resolution shall first be presented and passed stating the intent to annex – and an information meeting date shall be set for the public. I did not see such a date listed.
Neither do I see anywhere a short cut to annexation by listing “areas of consideration.“ If there has been such action and such language, the public should be notified.
There are prerequisites to annexation regarding the ability to serve and report and plans.
From the looks of some areas in Sylva, I would think the planning department has its hands full setting its own house in order: enforcing building and construction standards and condemnations (especially at one of the trailer parks) – and managing excess traffic.
Possibly Sylva entails excess police and maintenance expense at diverting eastbound traffic through downtown rather than on Mill Street.
And westbound traffic coming from N.C. 107 has no viable alternative but to pass through Sylva considering the lack of an entrance ramp on U.S. 74.
Years ago, in the paper, I argued for leaders to petition the state for a westbound entrance ramp near the Cullowhee exit at U.S. 74.
Changes could be made that allows Sylva to operate within its budget and still maintain its unique image without creating additional expense and disturbing outlying residential areas.
I oppose annexation. The city has nothing to offer me that the county already doesn’t already provide.
Kenneth Lee
Sylva
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