History repeats itself locally 70 years later

By Carey Phillips

Two issues that have been in the news here recently were also making front page news 70 years ago.

Area real estate agents have mobilized in opposition to local leaders seeking approval from the legislature to implement a land transfer tax. In 1931, theatre owners banded together to oppose taxing theatre revenues. Following is an article from the Feb. 10, 1931, Ruralite:

"H.E. Buchanan returned from Raleigh the latter part of last week where he appeared before the joint finance committee of the General Assembly to lead the fight against the proposed tax to be assessed against the gross receipts of theaters.

"Mr. Buchanan represented the Theatre Owners Association of North Carolina, of which organization he is director. He has received numerous letters and telegrams congratulating him upon the fine manner he handled the question.

"The Theatre Owners are opposed to any form of sales tax whether it be on the sale of theatre tickets or any other article sold by any business concern."

In November, Jackson County voters supported a referendum changing the county form of government from an elected to an appointed county manager. Shortly thereafter, commissioners passed a resolution to implement the change, and the search for a professional county manager is under way.

Seventy years ago, Jackson County's form of government was about to change. In fact, it was the law passed in 1931 that local Democrats used a few years ago in their court case to try to stop the change to a professional county manager. Following is an article from the Feb. 17, 1931 Ruralite:

"Tomorrow Senator Mrs. E.L. McKee will introduce a bill changing the county form of government.

"Instead of three whole-time commissioners, there will be one whole-time commissioner at a salary of $2,400, and the other two commissioners will meet with the chairman at least once a month to transact the county business. Their pay will be $5 per day for each day served.

"The road commissioner will be discontinued, so will the commissioner of welfare. These duties will be imposed on the chairman as well as the work of making up the tax books, handling the county funds and other work heretofore done by the three commissioners. It is estimated that the county would be saving something over $5,000 a year.

"If this bill passes, it will take effect Dec. 1, 1932."

Editor's note: This is the weekly installment of a review of our back issues as The Sylva Herald and Ruralite celebrates its 75th anniversary throughout 2001.

Back to Archive: 02/15/01.