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Three commissioners’ seats to be decided May 2
By Lynn Hotaling
This year’s field of county commissioner hopefuls is among the most crowded in decades, and the outcome of three of those seats will be decided during the Tuesday, May 2, Democrat primary.
Jackson County’s top elected post, commissioners’ chairman, is already decided, since no one filed to run against incumbent Democrat Brian McMahan.
The District 4 seat (Caney Fork, Canada, River, Mountain, Hamburg and Cashiers precincts) is home to the only Republican candidate – Geoff Higginbotham – to file for county elected office, which makes it the one commissioners’ race that will not be decided until the November general election. Two Democrats – Mark Jones and Nathan Moss – are seeking their party’s nomination.
In the other three races, a total of 10 candidates, all Democrats, have filed. Five – Miguel Baerga, Ben Clawson, Bob Ginn, Tom Massie and Keith Parris – are vying for the District 2 seat (Sylva North, Sylva South and Scotts Creek I, II and III precincts); three – Carroll Buchanan, Raymond Bunn and William Shelton – are seeking the District 1 seat (Qualla, Dillsboro, Barkers Creek and Greens Creek precincts); and two – incumbent Joe Cowan and Darrell Fox – are squaring off in District 3 (Webster, Cullowhee and Savannah precincts).
Voting for county commissioners is countywide, though candidates seeking to represent a particular district must live in that district. The commissioner’s chairman may live anywhere in Jackson County.
The Herald recently sent three questions each to the 12 candidates facing contested primary races. Those questions and the candidates’ responses, separated by district and listed alphabetically, follow.
DISTRICT 1
Candidates in District 1 are Carroll Buchanan, 56, of Greens Creek, who is retired from the N. C. Highway Patrol; Raymond Bunn, 44, of Dillsboro, who owns Bunn’s Guns and works as a security officer at Balsam Mountain Preserve; and William Shelton, 43, of Qualla, a farmer and greenhouse operator.
Given recent development in Jackson County, what is your position on land use planning? Explain your answer.
Buchanan: I am opposed to countywide zoning. However, ordinances that are now in place to protect water quality, air quality and disturbing the integrity of other people’s property should be enforced. Given the amount of so much steep-slope development in all parts of the county, breaches of the sediment-control ordinance are more common than ever.
Therefore, if addressing these and similar problems is land-use planning, then my position is favorable as long as it does not “just because it is in the book” interfere with the property rights of our citizens.
Bunn: My position is that ordinances if enforced properly, can continue to control land use. I’d like to be assured that the existing sediment and erosion control ordinance is being enforced and if not, find out why. I’d like to see a slope ordinance adopted to prevent potentially dangerous slide situations. I’d like to have the planning board revisit the subdivision ordinance that was started some time ago since some of the same concerns were addressed in it but never brought to public hearing. A comprehensive land-use plan would take some time to develop in Jackson County, and I’m not willing to support that type of plan at this time. A land-use plan can get complicated and expensive to enforce and could possibly be too restrictive in regards to a land owner’s property rights.
Shelton: Recent development in Jackson County has pushed this question to the forefront, and it has become perhaps the most important and talked about issue of this election. That said, my position is that land use planning is vital to the future sustainability of this county. Nobody has a crystal ball, but our best “intelligence” tells us that this growth is going to continue at a steady, if not escalated. pace. I believe that if we fail to plan for this growth, in 10 years nobody will be happy with the result.
I believe that most people in the county are concerned with the prospect of this development going unchecked, but there is much disagreement over how we best approach the issue. As a farmer, my personal property rights are very important to me, but also as a farmer, having lived my entire life close to the land, I also see that the future is bleak if we fail to protect our natural resources. I believe we need to approach land-use planning from an environmental perspective, by taking a hard look at our ridge tops, steep slopes, and the amount of sediment going into the streams. I believe that this approach gives us the best shot at reaching consensus among many diverse groups in the county. We have to come together on this issue and have meaningful discussion without digressing into a shouting match. I have to believe that it is possible to create a win-win situation for this county without resorting to countywide zoning.
Could you evaluate the county’s current commitment to school construction/renovation projects, including the ongoing expansion and renovations at Smoky Mountain High School?
Buchanan: It is my understanding that there are six new classrooms planned for Fairview Elementary School. These are greatly needed to help relieve the overcrowding problem that has existed for so long.
The acquisition of the Jones’ property is a positive for the renovation and improvement at SMHS, which was built in the early 1960s and has since become outdated and somewhat antiquated. Having room for a new gym, classrooms, and parking was greatly needed. Also, the planned entrance for SMHS from N.C. 107 via Jones Street should relieve some congestion at the intersection of 107 and N.C. 116, therefore enhancing the safety of that intersection.
Bunn: I would like to see the new commissioners continue the commitment to school construction and renovation projects as long as it is providing more quality education to the students of Jackson County and as long as it is not just creating bigger buildings, more parking lots (ride the bus!), and additional ball fields. Focus should be on preparing our students to enter the workforce and/or ready them for higher education. There will continue to be needs in our county for construction and renovation of our aging schools, and I am in favor of supporting the need for a quality place to learn.
Shelton: I believe the key word in this question is “commitment.” It is important to finish what we’ve started in terms of the projects on the table for SMHS.
We have an interesting situation in Jackson County in that, in spite of the rapid growth overall, our school-age population is growing on a very normal curve. This is because most of the people moving in here are in the 45-65 age range. Therefore, the expansions happening now should be a good investment in that these facilities will more than likely not be “overwhelmed” for some time to come.
If I am elected, I would be interested in taking a hard look at the school infrastructure from one end of the county to the other, and would work to make sure we are fair and equitable across each area of the county. All of our kids deserve the very best we can offer. I would look forward to working with the school board to make sure these future needs are met. I understand that it is up to the school board to educate our children, and it is up to the commissioners to provide the infrastructure. If the county revenues grow at the projected rate, these projects will be affordable.
In your opinion, what is another pressing issue facing Jackson County? How would you prefer to see that issue addressed?
Buchanan: Although there are many pressing issues facing Jackson County, the one I feel needs addressing in the near future is keeping our solid waste collection and disposal on the pace of our enormous population growth. The solid waste program was visited and greatly improved in the 1990s; however, it is fast becoming obsolete. Our recycling program is not paying off as it was expected to do, and the equipment at our staff recycling centers is growing old and is in constant need of repair. Probably the most pressing and immediate need is to renovate and enlarge our solid waste transfer station (construction and demolition landfill). The transfer station on Mineral Springs Road was designed to handle 60 tons per day. It now receives sometimes four times that amount. This problem will be a very expensive and major undertaking; however, it is of the utmost importance that it be addressed.
Bunn: Traffic! I’d like to see our commissioners begin dialogue with the Department of Transportation to explore options in regards to new road construction and/or enhancement of existing highways. I am concerned about the environmental impact new roads would have on our county, but with the tremendous increase in traffic and more on the way, I am more concerned about the safety issues on N.C. 107 and N.C. 116.
Shelton: In my opinion, a very pressing issue is rising land values and the subsequent rise in property taxes, which is making it difficult for hard-working, full-time residents to hang onto their land. We have the third-lowest tax rate of any county in the state. This sounds good, but it’s deceptive because of the wide disparity between the “haves” and the “have-nots” in this county. With high land values, even a low tax rate is hard for many people to afford, thus the greater temptation to sell. This is not an easy issue to address, given that our property tax laws are dictated by the state. However, I will look at whatever creative tools are out there to access that might ease this situation. The state does have the authority to make exceptions for individual counties, but this is highly unlikely. In my opinion, the state doesn’t want to set that kind of precedent. I believe that if we work together with other counties from across Western North Carolina, a consensus could be reached, creating a unified voice that would be heard in Raleigh, to force state government to take a look at addressing this problem as one that is unique to our region. Another property revaluation is looming on the horizon, and with the current trends, this problem of rising land values is only going to be compounded unless some sort of preventive action is taken.
DISTRICT 2
Candidates are Miguel Baerga, 54, of Sylva, who is a retired counselor; Ben Clawson, 35, of Sylva, who is a shift supervisor for Haywood County EMS; Bob Ginn, 59, of Sylva, who is retired from Verizon; Tom Massie, 49, of Sylva’s Lovesfield community, who is western field representative for the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund; and Keith Parris, 40, of Balsam, who is a small business owner.
Given recent development in Jackson County, what is your position on land use planning? Explain your answer.
Baerga: Land-use planning is good for the area if it is used to bring in jobs for the citizens of Jackson County. For example, the new Lowe’s that is under construction will produce more economic value. Sylva is a growing city, and we need other businesses to enhance the growth. The land that is semi-developed next to Jackson Plaza is an eye sore and is thus far wasted land. Where are the condominiums/townhouses? Sylva is becoming a town that is catching up to the future and advancement of modern technology.
Clawson: I think we need a land use program but I am opposed to any type of zoning. I believe it says a lot for Jackson County that this is the kind of place people want to live and visit; however we need to protect the natural beauty of our county’s ridge tops from things like cell phone towers and big developments that are going to destroy the natural beauty we all enjoy. As for our steep slopes, I think we need to start enforcing the erosion and sediment-control ordinances that are already in place before we start developing new ones.
Ginn: I have friends who live under land-use management with restrictions so heavy they cannot cut a tree on their own property without county approval. I can support policy for properly-constructed roads that includes strict rules for controlling soil erosion. All roads should accommodate emergency vehicles. I do not support countywide or community-based zoning.
Many Jackson County residents are self-employed or work in construction, and the increase in development helps them earn a decent living for their families. My position on land-use planning depends on the degree of strictness written into the policy. Growth and development can be beneficial to Jackson County by providing employment opportunities to county residents.
Massie: All people are accustomed to planning their own activities to some degree. “Governmental Planning” does not mean a small group of “experts” telling all the other people how to conduct their lives. Instead, it calls for the closest possible collaboration between government officials and the public at large finding common ground about the county’s needs, the objectives to be sought and how to attain those objectives.
Jackson County is confronted with explosive growth, which threatens our natural environment, stresses our county’s ability to provide adequate services and can endanger public safety. I support local land-use ordinances that protect our water, air and mountains and our citizens from flooding, landslides, stormwater and other man made problems both large and small. I also support the development and adoption of a Subdivision Ordinance for the county. A well-designed ordinance can serve the public’s best interests by insuring access to services everyone expects, while protecting the rights of individual landowners. The county planning board presented a subdivision ordinance to the commissioners in 2004, but to date no public hearings have been held to allow public comment or consideration. A continued absence of common-sense land-use regulations will add up to gigantic headaches for rural residents, governmental authorities and, ultimately, taxpayers.
I strongly believe its better to avoid problems than try to fix them after they occur. Today our county is reacting to problems. We need to become proactive and anticipate problems before they happen whenever possible. Land-use planning provides a tool that can allow Jackson County to do just that.
Parris: I do not support land-use planning (also called zoning) because I am in favor of protecting the property rights of individuals. In a nearby county in Western North Carolina, an older gentleman fell victim to extreme zoning regulations. The restrictions went as far as to regulate the maximum height his grass could be in his own yard, and for whatever reason this gentleman’s grass measured too high. The county mowed his grass for him and sent him a bill!
We live in a beautiful mountainous area and can do more to protect it. I propose that we make a “Beautify Jackson County Week” in September when we all put forth an extra effort to improve the appearance of our properties, businesses, etc. A “Children’s Recycling Education Campaign” would also be beneficial in making our county more environmentally healthy by educating our children and letting them teach (and remind) us to recycle. We all win by teaching our future leaders to take some responsibility for the environment.
Development is synonymous with growth whether it be residential or commercial and there are advantages and disadvantages to growth. Commercial development brings in jobs and large tax dollars to the county to aid in building libraries, schools, etc., and there is an Industrial Development Ordinance already in place to confine businesses to certain areas if they present a risk to the public. A person selling land can place restrictions on what the buyer may do with the property. There are alternatives to zoning.
Could you evaluate the county’s current commitment to school construction/renovation projects, including the ongoing expansion and renovations at Smoky Mountain High School?
Baerga: The expansion and renovations at SMHS is required due to the influx of families to the area. Even with the renovations of SMHS, the county should have on its future agenda regarding the possibility of building another high school with the finest modern technology for the gifted. This future school will provide more individualized studies and take some weight off of SMHS.
Clawson: I think its great that the current commissioners have worked with the school board to do the things they have at Smoky Mountain High School and the plans that have been made for additions at Fairview, but I think its time for both boards to prioritize the projects that are planned and complete projects that are in progress. We also need to remember that SMHS is not the only high school in the county. I think before we start any further construction at SMHS, we need to assess the needs of the children at Blue Ridge and make sure they also get what they need, because all the children in the county deserve the best educational opportunities we can give them.
Ginn: I feel that current renovation at Smoky Mountain High School is very worthwhile and I would also like to see the additional classrooms completed at Fairview Elementary.
Massie: Education and the public school system is the foundation of our future. Obviously our children benefit directly from a quality education, but also the economic health of our county depends upon the products of that education for qualified, competent future employers and employees. As a product of our local school system, I know the value of the investment our parents, as taxpayers, made in my future and many others by financially supporting the needs of our public schools.
Jackson County public schools’ needs have grown as our population has and the school board has undertaken an ambitious capital improvements program systemwide. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners has a legal responsibility to fund those facility needs and the current commissioners have worked hard to provide that financial support.
I will support continued capital outlays for needed classroom facilities, within reason. Some budgetary requests may necessarily be delayed due to the county’s financial constraints (see response below). County commissioners do not direct schools operation or develop policy; that’s the school board’s job. However, commissioners do have the authority to determine capital outlay by category. Capital appropriations should be earmarked for specific individual projects, in my opinion.
Increasingly, I am concerned how the county is going to be able to meet the future capital outlay demands for schools. It’s a growing problem statewide, especially in rural districts. The lottery will not be the solution for most WNC school systems. Commissioners should seek solutions with our legislative representatives to address this dilemma.
Parris: I am advocating for smaller class sizes in Jackson County classrooms to enable teachers to spend more time with students, hopefully minimizing frustrated students and teacher turnover rates. The governor of North Carolina is pushing for smaller class sizes, so it is likely to occur. Fewer students in a class mandates a larger facility to accommodate additional classrooms, thus requiring renovations and/or additions or building some new schools. It is not a choice for the county to provide adequate educational facilities, but it is the county’s responsibility! The expansions and renovations at SMHS have been ongoing for eight or so years and are past the point of abandoning in favor of building a new school. These changes and new technology are leveling the playing field to enable our students to be competitive with other students across the nation.
In your opinion, what is another pressing issue facing Jackson County? How would you prefer to see that issue addressed?
Baerga: Affordable housing is a must in Jackson County. It is very difficult to locate an apartment or house for citizens or visitors to rent or own. Another pressing issue is that people do not like change. It is time to come out of the box and explore our surroundings. Another issue is to have an on-the-job training program/partnership with the new businesses.
Clawson: I think one thing we need to start facing now is the traffic issue. Its projected that by the year 2020, 50,000 cars a day will use N.C. 107. I would like to see the board of commissioners and N.C. Department of Transportation move forward on the plans for an alternative traffic route now because this is not something that can be done overnight. I haven’t had a chance to look at the proposed Southern Loop and would like to know more about it before I could say that I would support that, but the planning process needs to be put in high gear for some alternate route. People have asked me if changes could be made to the current highway to accommodate the traffic. I don’t see how with the development that lines both sides of the road from Sylva almost all the way to Western Carolina University now, but I would be glad to hear any suggestions that folks might have.
Ginn: The pressing issue facing Jackson County is the tax revaluation in 2008. We must prepare for this by controlling county spending so that the tax rate can be rolled back to keep a revenue-neutral tax status. If we fail, our senior residents with low fixed incomes will face more financial hardships and could find it difficult to hold on to their homes and property. This to me is the most important issue facing our county.
Massie: I think Jackson County government is facing a credibility gap. Historically, our county government has been known for being open and accessible to its citizens and fiscally responsible. That reputation has become tarnished over the last few years. Press articles and court rulings citing violations of the N.C. Open Meetings Law by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and unlawful removal of officers from independent organizations are inexcusable. County commissioners conduct the business of Jackson County – our business – and the public has the right to know exactly what transpires in an open meeting! Yet, no apology or pledge to insure the laws will be honored in the future has been forthcoming. However, I pledge never to knowingly violate the Open Meetings Law, if elected.
Additionally, the county’s long-term indebtedness has increased significantly. Our capital needs have been growing as we continue to grow. Many of these building projects were long overdue and are justifiable, but I am a fiscal conservative. I watch my personal finances closely and try to minimize my indebtedness. Jackson County is rapidly approaching the maximum debt limit allowable by North Carolina law at our current tax rate. Once we reach that borrowing limit, the county’s options are few. Either we have to raise taxes, cut services or both. I think we need to closely evaluate our capital improvement needs and determine what we can afford. Everyone wants a Cadillac, but a Chevy might suffice for now. I believe our commissioners are going to have to reconcile between what we need and what we can afford over the next four years.
Parris: Is Jackson County prepared for a natural or man-made disaster? The uncertainty of the weather with its recent world wide devastation and other issues facing the United States should prompt us to realize that it could happen to us. We need to make sure that all Emergency Services have what they need to meet the challenges they may face in a disaster, because they are our front lines of defense. Jackson County needs to have designated shelters and make sure the residents are aware of their locations. Our county needs to be as self-sufficient as possible, with every family having a three-day emergency survival kit. The county can help the elderly on a small fixed income and low-income families to acquire some of the needed items.
DISTRICT 3
Candidates are incumbent Joe Cowan, 72, of Webster, a former superintendent of Jackson County Schools who is currently a teacher of at-risk children; and Darrell Fox, 44, of Webster, who is executive director of Webster Enterprises.
Given recent development in Jackson County, what is your position on land use planning? Explain your answer.
Cowan: Land-use planning is thought by many to be a “soft term” that means zoning. The people of Jackson County have made it abundantly clear on several occasions that they are opposed to countywide zoning. Since commissioners are elected representatives of the people, we also oppose zoning.
The Jackson County Land Development Plan that was recently published points out the need for orderly growth and suggests many actions the county can take to preserve our mountainsides and ridge tops as well as our overall environment.
These plans can be implemented by insuring that builders conform to Environmental Protection Agency, state and county regulations when constructing new homes and subdivisions. We should strengthen our efforts to guarantee compliance with those regulations by writing them into our current subdivision ordinance, which is currently in the county planning board.
However, that is not all that can be done. All of us as citizens must watch out for our own communities and report building violations to the county’s building inspection department. Every citizen of the county has a responsibility to help protect our environment.
Fox: This seems to be the biggest concern on everyone’s mind. First, I want to state that I oppose zoning. I feel like there are better ways to handle the development problems we are facing. North Carolina has a ridge top law in effect, there are slope ordinances, sediment-control and erosion ordinances that need to be enforced to make sure we save and protect our environment and natural resources. We cannot stop the flow of people moving in. After all, who can blame anyone for wanting to live here? But our leaders need to make sure they protect our environment to the best interest of everyone so our children can have a place to enjoy nature for generations that follow us.
Could you evaluate the county’s current commitment to school construction/renovation projects, including the ongoing expansion and renovations at Smoky Mountain High School?
Cowan: SMHS (the former Sylva-Webster High School) should have been replaced in the latter part of the 20th century. The Board of Education proposed that a new high school be built in 1987 and a middle school be built in 1989, but at that time the Board of Education was dependent upon bond funds for the project.
Two bond proposals were presented to the public for votes in 1987 and again in 1989. Both bond issues were defeated.
A new state-of-the-art high school could have been built at that time for $11 million. Since 1989, almost twice that amount has been expended on additions and renovations, and it is still not complete.
So much for history; now I will answer the question. I believe the county’s commitment to complete the renovations and additions to SMHS is firm and total.
These needs for construction and renovations did not come about overnight, nor will they be completed overnight. However, my commitment to see this project through to completion is total and I will work diligently to see that it happens as quickly as possible.
Fox: We need to be more committed to our schools. With the news that our dropout rate is increasing, we need a concentrated effort to insure the best education and facilities possible for our youth. We need to not only have the best facilities possible but make sure that the staff of each school has all the tools they need to provide the highest-quality education for each student.
The one thing that concerns me is the lack of commitment for renovations to other schools in the county. We need to make sure that we have an equal commitment to all of our schools.
If it weren’t for the parents and team members of the Blue Ridge baseball team, they wouldn’t even have a field decent enough to play on. That is just one example. Our leaders need to make sure that each school in our system has facilities that promote a feeling of pride and safety so our students want to stay in school and pursue a higher education
In your opinion, what is another pressing issue facing Jackson County? How would you prefer to see that issue addressed?
Cowan: Increasing taxes is a concern of all citizens in Jackson County and throughout the state. The present system of revaluing property every four years has gotten out of hand. Our citizens cannot afford 20-, 30-, 40- and 50-percent increases in property values every four years. This process, if not corrected soon, will bankrupt many people and make it impossible for them to remain on their land or to pass that land on to their children.
I don’t have the answer to this problem today, but if re-elected, I will work diligently to set up a task force to examine the problem and take necessary action. This is a statewide problem and will require statewide action to curb the ever-increasing property taxes.
Fox: Other than the lack of good-paying jobs, my main concern is the outstanding debt the county has planned for us. If our leaders decide to do all the projects they have on the table, we will have a debt of $59,373,795.
This will mean that our children and grandchildren will be the ones that are paying back this debt. I want to make sure that we are doing everything possible to be good stewards with our taxpayers money.
DISTRICT 4
Candidates are Mark Jones, 46, of Cashiers, who is general manager of High Hampton Inn; and Nathan Moss, 30, of Cashiers’ Norton community, who is a farmer and pastor and currently serves on Jackson County’s school board.
Given recent development in Jackson County, what is your position on land use planning? Explain your answer.
Jones: Jackson County has experienced explosive growth in recent history. Land-use management will be essential if we are able and willing to preserve the quality of life that brought our great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents here to raise their families.
After any rainfall in almost all of our rivers and streams there is a obvious problem in erosion. Most of this erosion is due to the large amount of residential and commercial construction. Jackson County currently has one erosion control officer. Is one officer enough to cover the distance from Balsam to Cowee and from Qualla to Cashiers? This in combination with the growth of Sylva, Dillsboro and Cullowhee should justify more personnel in this area. Commissioners should revisit and implement the ordinances that address this issue and have already been developed by appointed committees and boards of the past county commissioners.
I have been approached by firemen and rescue personnel on their concerns of the slope/grade of new roads, regarding the safety of the men and equipment responding to the emergency calls in a timely manner. This should also tie in with ordinances and regulations for new developments with approval of Jackson County commissioners.
Moss: My position is that our county needs a position. It seems like we, as a county, have taken no specific stance regarding growth and development so the board of commissioners needs to accept responsibility for this difficult issue and face it head on. I personally am opposed to any form of zoning, be it community-based or countywide. I do believe that we need a comprehensive plan that will regulate growth that is negatively impacting our environment and natural resources, without infringing on personal property rights any more than is absolutely necessary. Such a plan might regulate, for example, home density, slope usage and road quality in a sub-division, but not what you choose to do on your own land.
Could you evaluate the county’s current commitment to school construction/renovation projects, including the ongoing expansion and renovations at Smoky Mountain High School?
Jones: I want to continue the positive relationship between the Jackson County Board of Education and the Jackson County Commissioners. I support the completion of major capital projects such as Fairview Elementary School kindergarten and updating the older buildings at SMHS. The timeline of these projects and for future projects may need to be extended to meet county budget requirements.
Providing smooth transitions and incentives programs that will allow high school students access to community colleges and universities is very important and should have the County Commissioners support.
Teaching a hospitality and tourism class for high school students at Blue Ridge School provided me insight that teacher and students have different financial and academic needs. Providing incentives or some type of reward programs for Jackson County School employees should enhance the quality of education our children receive. Obliviously this would require direction from the Board of Education on how to advise the commissioners on the best approach for implementation and evaluation of this incentive based idea.
Moss: As a current Board of Education member, I know that the county has made a commitment, not only to construction/renovation, but also to helping the school system retain its greatest assets – the teachers. The county has implemented a teacher supplement, and I hope that whoever is elected recognizes how important this supplement is in retaining and recruiting good teachers, which is an essential element when you talk about a quality public school system.
Concerning current construction, I do know that the county has done a significant amount of work at SMHS, but that work is not completed. My desire is to see the county, on this project and any other it undertakes, be it within the school system or elsewhere, do the job completely and do the job right. Commitment and foresight should be our anthem when we build for the future, not quantity and expediency. If that means we need to spread out capital projects over a longer span of time in order to do the job right, then let’s be patient and know that when we have completed these projects, we will have quality facilities that will meet the needs of our growing communities, not just today, but into the years ahead.
In your opinion, what is another pressing issue facing Jackson County? How would you prefer to see that issue addressed?
Jones: Illicit drug activity is a major concern for all citizens in Jackson County. Eighty-five percent of all criminal activity is attributed to this issue. This evil is masked by domestic violence, armed robbery, vandalism, sexual assault, selling and manufacturing of illegal drugs and other related crimes. Addressing these issues begins in our homes, schools and communities. County commissioners should provide our law enforcement agency and first responders with the proper finances and tools to combat this problem. You are never too young or old to attend a seminar or educational workshop with regards to handling this problem within your family and community. Many organizations, churches and law enforcement agencies routinely offer these classes. Quite often they are able to come to your community to offer counseling and education. Law enforcement agencies are currently working with community leaders to promote awareness and neighborhood watch programs.
Moss: I believe another pressing issue that no one is talking about is what I call the “polarization” of Jackson County. As our county continues its rapid growth and development, more and more we have two specific demographics – “local” and “transplant” – folks who were born and raised here, and folks who have recognized the beauty and quality of life in Jackson County from afar and moved here.
Neither group is better than the other, just different from the other. Neither group has all the answers, just a different perspective.
Somehow, some way, I believe there must arise mature leadership on both sides who recognize that we must work cooperatively if Jackson County is to have any hope of maintaining its rural charm and good neighbor attitude into the future. The Jackson County of 50 years ago, when it wasn’t necessary to designate oneself “local,” is gone forever, and hopefully Jackson County will never become like the places so many are moving here to escape. We are all facing the same issues in our county, so let’s work together to find solutions that we can all be proud of.
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