Towns, county want to control TWSA, Luker reports

By Rose Hooper

"They feel they have been cheated by their representatives and that there is no open line of communication," Luker reported during TWSA's called work session.

"No open lines of communication?" TWSA attorney Raymond Large questioned. "The very group concerned about open communication with us schedules a meeting about us, yet doesn't invite us. Does anybody see a problem with this?"

Large was referring to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting that same evening and time, during which "TWSA organization and operations" was listed as an agenda item.

Luker said he learned about town leaders' displeasure during a meeting of the municipalities held earlier that day.

"They didn't invite us to that meeting either, and I wasn't welcome, but I went anyway," Luker said.

"It is my understanding that the municipalities want to change TWSA's by-laws," Luker told board members. "What they want is for the mayors of each town and the county commission chairman to form the TWSA board, rather than you representing each municipality."

The TWSA board of directors is composed of two county representatives, Luker and Keith Ward; three from Sylva, Bobby Beck, Sybil Reed and Ronnie DeHart; Dillsboro representative Jim Cochran; Webster representative Brad Moses; and Chuck Wooten from Western Carolina University.

"What it boils down to is that they don't trust you as board members," Large told board members.

"I think I am doing a good job," said DeHart. "If they don't like it, they (Sylva leaders) can report to me."

Luker, who said he was opposed to the suggested restructuring, recommended that TWSA remain "non-partisan, non-political and non-biased."

"It's not TWSA's mission to be a political football," said Cochran.

Luker went on to say that municipal leaders "also want a say in hiring the new director."

Jerry King, TWSA executive director since the authority was formed 10 years ago, retires Dec. 31.

"What they are looking for is a local person, someone established in the community," Luker reported.

"Sounds like what they want is a puppet director," Moses said.

"Basically, what they want is control of TWSA," Luker said.

TWSA board members will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, for a reception honoring King. That event will precede the authority's regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Back to Archive: 12/12/02.