Letters to the editor: 11/21/02

Hooper's dismissal demands investigation

To the Editor:

LaRae Hooper has been employed by Jackson County in the register of deeds office for more than 29 years. By all accounts her service and performance has not only been competent and professional, but exemplary.

Last week, a letter appeared in this paper extolling the quality and professionalism of Mrs. Hooper's service to the public. The letter was signed by those most able to judge performance in the register's office, the paralegals who assist in the research and preparation of deeds.

There is no record, evidence or documentation that Mrs. Hooper has ever failed to perform her duties in anything less than a professional manner. There is no record of reprimand or discipline of Mrs. Hooper by either Mr. Hamilton or his predecessor, Conrad Burrell.

On the contrary, it is widely recognized that Mrs. Hooper is by any measure or standard the most knowledgeable and thorough employee in the office. Furthermore, Mrs. Hooper's character, conduct and integrity are beyond reproach, and Mr. Hamilton has not and cannot produce any evidence or testimony to the contrary.

In light of Mrs. Hooper's record, it would appear that Mr. Hamilton's actions are arbitrary and misguided. That his actions took place the day after he was re-elected to office hint that Mr. Hamilton's actions may be of a political nature.

Regardless of whatever reason or motivation Mr. Hamilton may have had, his actions are reckless and irresponsible. Mr. Hamilton's actions have not only deprived the county of a knowledgeable and competent employee who performed a very important job, but the arbitrary nature of the dismissal could quite possibly expose the county to a lawsuit.

When Mr. Hamilton took office four years ago, he followed Mr. Burrell, who had established over a period of three decades a record of competence and service to the public in the Register of Deeds office. The transition should have been seamless and smooth. Mr. Burrell left a modern, well run and professionally-managed operation with a well-trained and highly competent staff.

In the ensuing four years and with the dismissal of Mrs. Hooper, Mr. Hamilton has managed to run off all of that staff. It is commonly accepted that Mr. Hamilton has, himself, failed to master the details and intricacies of the office. His actions have compromised the efficiency and effectiveness of the office. Currently it is rumored that those in power at the Justice Center are maneuvering behind the scenes to reach an equitable solution to the mess Mr. Hamilton has created. There is only one equitable and honest solution: Mrs. Hooper should immediately and without prejudice be restored to her position as assistant register of deeds. Any annual or sick leave Mrs. Hooper has had to use while these matters were being settled should be fully restored.

Most importantly, Mrs. Hooper should receive a written and public apology. Additionally, Mr. Hamilton should be condemned for his arbitrary and reckless actions, and an investigation should commence immediately into his competence to manage and administer what is a crucial department in county government.

The vast majority of our county employees work extremely hard and demonstrate a commitment to their jobs. Being on the public payroll is more than doing a job and accepting a check. A public employee is paid by the taxes of his neighbors. There is a responsibility and level of commitment that comes with accepting public money. If we are going to demand this commitment and responsibility from our public servants, than we must also extend every effort to be fair and equitable in our treatment of public employees.

Mr. Hamilton's actions, while specifically unfair and unwarranted toward Mrs. Hooper, also send a very damaging message to anyone on the county payroll. We must make it very clear that what has transpired here is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Mark Jamison

Cullowhee

Contrails or something else?

To the Editor:

Last Thursday the strangest things were happening in our sky. A surprising number of white jet trails, or contrails, could be seen all at the same time. But these jet trails never faded out and disappeared. Instead they remained in the sky, from horizon to horizon in some cases, feathering out and getting broader and broader.

Then more trails were laid down. At one point I saw more than a dozen lines while three different silvery white jet planes continued laying more trails that at times left crisscrossing lines and even large X's overhead.

As these spread out, our clean, blue skies turned into a white haze. I even observed a rainbow in the haze right above me that was lying flat instead of starting and ending towards the ground like a normal rainbow.

These lines appeared again in the late afternoon with a dozen more fresh lines spreading out, yet at the same time I saw a normal jet leaving a normal contrail that did disappear as the jet flew by.

I don't remember jet trails lasting all day long years ago. Or having them spread out and turn into a complete white cloud cover. It also seems strange that one day the skies will remain crystal clear and blue all day and the next day we have so many of these odd jet trails.

Are there just a lot of commercial and military flights overhead one day and none the next? Or are these unusual lines and the resulting haze there for a reason? Am I just imagining what I see and breath?

Rick Urban

Dillsboro

Garrett's housing is 'attractive,' tenant says

To the Editor:

The house is an attractive one, both inside and outside. This is my own view and the view of those who have visited me. The outside is enhanced by Jack Garrett's landscaping, which includes flowering plum trees, dogwoods and rhododendrons. The inside has three bedrooms, two baths, a large living room and kitchen and a laundry room.

I invite those with decision-making capacities with regard to neighborhood housing, as well as my neighbors on King and Morris streets, to drop by and see for yourselves. Many of those who signed the petition for a moratorium have never even seen the house. None of them has seen the inside.

When Jack Garrett offered me the opportunity to be his first tenant, I was delighted! I am still most happy to have this as my home, and I think it is beautiful inside and outside. However, I am saddened to feel I am as unwelcome as the house by my neighbors.

The Rev. James P. Cahill

Retired Pastor - St. Mary's Catholic Church

Sylva

Back to Archive: 11/21/02.