The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on March 12 at 3 p.m. to interview five candidates for an open seat: Daryl Griswold, Bill Grubb, Marc Hehn, Jan Pittman and Margot Teed. The public meeting may conclude with an appointment.
At its Feb. 19 meeting, the Board unanimously voted to schedule the March 12 special meeting for commissioner candidate interviews and a potential appointment. Each candidate will give a three-minute opening statement and answer questions for 10 minutes. Interview order will be determined by lottery at the start of the meeting.
The Board will use a nomination ballot process, with each commissioner casting a ballot. A candidate who receives a majority of three votes will be appointed. If no majority is reached, candidates without votes will be eliminated and voting will continue in rounds. In case of a tie, the Board can approve a motion to permit the Mayor to act as a tiebreaker.
To learn more about the candidates and their views on important issues, The Highlander asked each candidate two questions: Why do you want to serve on the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners? What are the top three issues you want to address if appointed? Here are their responses:
Daryl Griswold
Q: Why do you want to serve on the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners?
A: To serve our community by focusing on shared values and encouraging constructive dialogue where there are divisions, while placing focus on areas of agreement to build a foundation for problem solving for the good of all in Highlands.
Q: What are the top three issues you want to address if appointed?
A: Balancing economic vitality while preserving the character of Highlands. The shops, restaurants, grocery, recreation center, the Bascom, and the PAC are integral parts of our community. We need to ensure their vitality while maintaining our small-town character.
Maintaining our workforce. Attracting and retaining first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, town employees, and other employees is crucial to maintaining our quality of life in Highlands.
Managing impact on infrastructure. The current good work of the Town addressing water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure as well as road and sidewalk improvements needs to be continued while exploring sustainable funding models.
Bill Grubb
Q: Why do you want to serve on the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners?
A: Being a member of the Board of Commissioners would allow me to participate in the process of preserving and strengthening the wonderful town where we live as the inevitable change and growth occur.
Q: What are the top three issues you want to address if appointed?
A: Ask the Planning/Zoning Boards (as appropriate) to review the Community Design Standards (link) and recommend changes based on recently approved projects and the inevitable new ones.
Continue the current commissioners push for additional sidewalks and completing the community playground.
Likely not a role for the Commissioners directly but I would support a grass roots or business led campaign along the lines of "Relax You're in Highlands" to preserve the kind spirit and welcoming attitude that complements our town’s natural beauty.
Marc Hehn
Q: Why do you want to serve on the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners?
A: It is highly unusual for the Town to have three new Commissioners in such a short time span. Dr Amy Patteson calls me an Infrastructure Guy. My knowledge of the Town since I was a small child would be of benefit to a succession plan for a more stable board.
Q: What are the top three issues you want to address if appointed?
A: Raise more revenue from our visitors and not property taxes. Let's implement local room occupancy tax, a local tax on prepared meals and partner with the Chamber to collect a-third of all existing room occupancy taxes.
We must implement our Water Capital Plan and improve our water distribution system and provide a fire hydrant within 500 linear feet of every structure.
We have to improve healthcare on the Plateau. We can improve relations with HCA, partner with the Dogwood Health Trust, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Blue Ridge Health and MAHEC to bring physicians and healthcare professionals to the Plateau
Jan Pittman
Q: Why do you want to serve on the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners?
A: My family taught me the importance of community service, and I have tried to put that into practice throughout my life. My desire to run is not about politics, it's about stewardship. Highlands is at a crossroads-between becoming something it was never meant to be, and protecting what has always made our town special.
Q: What are the top three issues you want to address if appointed?
A: Locals Matter- As Highlands grows, locals and small businesses can feel pushed out. I believe good stewardship is about balance. It means listening to concerns and working together to find a balanced solution.
Infrastructure/Impact studies- Tourism is a vital part of Highlands economy, but it comes with real cost. During peak seasons, our roads, water systems, emergency services, and parking are all under a strain. Occupancy tax dollars should support tourism, but also support the impact tourism has on our infrastructure.
Implementing/Participating in NC Affordable Housing - One of the biggest challenges we face is affordable workforce housing. We should look at what’s getting in the way of common sense solutions. Addressing workforce housing will require partnering with local businesses, our community and state legislators.
Margot Teed
Q: Why do you want to serve on the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners?
A: Working toward a true balance between responsible growth, tourism and quality of life in our residential neighborhoods is what I believe the voters expect. Using my knowledge of the town ordinances and how they are applied means a fast start toward working in the town's best interest.
Q: What are the top three issues you want to address if appointed?
A: Tax Increase - If a property tax increase becomes necessary to cover budget projections or shortfalls, those increases should not be borne solely by our property owners.
Over-tourism - I share the feeling expressed by many residents that over-tourism is a problem that negatively impacts our quality of life. The Town Board and the Chamber of Commerce should work together to ensure that we share a common set of goals and a cohesive vision of the future of Highlands.
Ordinance Update - Our UDO and Community Plan should be a clear vision of what is good and right for the whole town. We are due for a reassessment and update so they will clearly and fairly apply to all.
- Josh Bryson
editor@highlandsnews.com