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By Lisa Majors-Duff
A conflict between county commissioners and the chairman of their
Smart Growth Task Force has led to his dismissal.
In a letter to SGTF Chairman Mark Jamison of Cullowhee dated Oct.
3, Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Stacy Buchanan
wrote, "...due to the fundamental policy differences that
have surfaced recently, I will be replacing you as my appointment
to the Smart Growth Task Force effective Oct. 7."
Buchanan's letter continues, "Per our conversation last week,
I agree that these differences are insurmountable and preclude
the ability for future cooperation."
While Buchanan declined additional comment on the issue Tuesday,
Jamison indicated his dismissal, which he said he will not fight,
is the result of his vocal opposition to the Cashiers Commercial
Development zoning ordinance. E-mail correspondences between Jamison
and Commissioner Eddie Madden appear to back up Jamison's claim.
"To my knowledge the Board of Commissioners has not authorized
the Chairman of the Smart Growth Task Force to get involved with
the Cashiers Development District Task Force," Madden wrote
in a June 30 e-mail to Jamison. "My recommendation would
be for you to stick to the things that have been outlined to you
by the Board."
According to e-mail records, Madden's statement followed a note
to the commissioner from Jamison, who said, "It's probably
only fair to tell you that I will be working vigorously to oppose
the (Cashiers Commercial District Plan). I have grave reservations
about the use of community-based zoning in Jackson County."
After receiving Madden's recommendation not to proceed with comments
against the Cashiers plan, Jamison replied to Madden with a statement
of his rights as a citizen.
"...as a citizen of this county and an individual who is
concerned with the direction and scope of county government, particularly
with respect to how it addresses issues of land-use planning,
I feel that I am well within my rights to speak on issues that
clearly have an impact throughout the county," Jamison wrote.
Jamison went on to tell Madden that "as an official elected
by all the county, I would hope that you would be receptive and
open to comment from all of your constituents. I appreciate your
recommendation as it pertains to the task force. I must, however,
with all due respect reject it if it is intended to muzzle my
personal opinion or involvement."
When contacted Wednesday, Madden had no comment.
"I hate to see this. Mark has been a valuable assess to the
committee, has done a tremendous amount of work and a super job
leading the Smart Growth Task Force," Commissioner Brian
McMahan said. "I know there were conflicts - about him being
so outspoken - and a lot of different reasons."
The work of the Smart Growth Task Force, which was established
soon after the current board of commissioners took office last
December, has included the development of a subdivision ordinance.
A draft of that document was given to commissioners last month,
and a work session to review it has been scheduled for 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 21.
During a meeting of county and town elected officials Tuesday
(Oct. 7), Buchanan indicated the next goal of the SGTF will be
to develop a transportation master plan for the county. This request
follows a flurry of citizen complaints concerning traffic on N.C.
107 and Department of Transportation plans for a Southern Loop
to address the problem, said Buchanan.
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