Opinion

Cooper making no-win decisions

Being the governor of any state is difficult. Being the governor of a state that is almost equally divided by the two major political parties is even more so.

Mayor on Duty - Subdivisions always approved in public

I’m aware of a recent flurry of talk about how the town has permitted subdivisions  without citizens knowing what was happening  Similar talk has centered around the new fire station.

Mayor on Duty - Vaccine clinics a team effort

At last week’s town board meeting I thanked all who have made the Highlands Cashiers Vaccination Clinic possible. I want to take the time to again recognize this outstanding service to the community again. The clinic served not just Highlands and Cashiers, but an entire two county region.

Main Street paving plan a positive

The North Carolina Department of Transportation takes a lot of heat, both from the public and from local government bodies. Road construction projects are easy to make a joke about and to be completely fair, the NCDOT doesn’t exactly have a sterling track record for being an efficient organization.

Mayor on Duty - Board meeting to feature paving plan

Tonight is the February Highlands Town Board meeting by way of Zoom. The access codes are on the town website.  The meeting begins at 7 p.m. with public comment. The board will hear from several groups concerning events planned for the spring and summer.

Public notices need to be in print

Like a bad penny, legislation to hide public notices from the public is back in NC General Assembly.

Mayor on Duty - Festival opens up land use discussion

There has been a strong community response to the plan to locate the Bear Shadow Concert from Founders Park to Horse Cove. Residents in Horse Cove had legitimate concerns about having a musical concert in their quiet residential community.

Schools still trying to hit moving target

Macon County Schools is still shooting at a moving target. And local school district officials are not alone. Following an abrupt change of position by North Carolina Gov.

Possible board leak causes concern

What is going on with the Highlands board of commissioners? It’s a fair question. Following a January virtual board meeting that is best described as “disjointed,” the board finds itself the topic of conversation in multiple circles from local coffee shops to Georgia law offices.

Mayor on Duty - Town has no authority to stop festival

I give folks my cell number, 828-506-3138, and tell them to call me if they have questions or concerns. I have been receiving several calls in the past week about the relocation of the upcoming Bear Shadow Festival.