Opinion

Mayor on Duty - 3.2.23

On the morning of February 22 I rendezvoused with town manager Josh Ward at the Ingles parking lot in Franklin. He pulled up, and I put my suit bag in his car.  We began the five hour drive to Raleigh to attend the North Carolina League of Municipalities 2023 Town and State Dinner.

Food Pantry needs a community lift

If you spend any time in Highlands, you know how big the role is that nonprofit organizations play in daily life.

Mayor on Duty - 2.23.23

I was optimistic, and the staff was too, that the town would receive a state grant to replace the aging pre-clarifier tank at the water tank. The town had resubmitted the grant we applied for last year.  The project is a big-ticket item, somewhere around $3 million.

Adjusting to electric vehicles

Henry Ford once said, “Businesses that grow by development and innovation, do not die.” It’s ironic that a quote from Ford would aptly describe the Town of Highlands’ stance on electric vehicles and their required charging stations.

Mayor on Duty - 2.16.23

On Saturday, Feb.4, we had a major structure fire on Sagee Woods Drive.  I was at home and heard fire trucks coming to Highlands from Cashiers, and any time that happens, I know there must be a major fire or rescue situation in the area.

Added childcare a welcome sight

The doors of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation are always open to those looking to engage in faithful activities. On Tuesday, the church threw the doors open to the public for another reason. The grand opening of the new childcare center at the church was a reason for celebration.

Mayor on Duty - 2.9.23

As mayor, I like getting positive feedback, all elected officials do, it makes for a good week and last week was a very good week.

The need for local representation

In an era where remote work has become a normal part of everyday life, what is it worth to have a local presence? That is the question the Town of Highlands is trying to answer as the board of commissioners goes through the process of hiring a new town attorney.

Mayor on Duty - 2.2.23

We went to St. Simons Island this past weekend.  When I visit other communities, I’m always looking for new ideas and how other towns address common municipal problems. As I have mused in the past, communities on the Golden Isle of Georgia have much in common with Highlands.

Fundraiser united sports fans at HHS

Highlands School is known for its bright blue and gold colors. But on Friday night, everyone in attendance at the basketball games with Blue Ridge was encouraged to wear black.