Opinion

Mayor on Duty - Watching precious plants

While I’m optimistic about many things at the beginning of the New Year, I also have concerns. What I’m about to describe is illustrative of concerns and challenges that I think we will face on the Highlands Plateau.

Mayor on Duty

Last week I began sharing a list of budget priorities that I see for the coming year.  The town board members will also have their priorities. In the next five months we will go through a process of coming to agreement on a new budget for fiscal year 2020/21.

What will 2020 hold for Highlands

Here we go. Whether anyone is ready or not, a new decade is dawning. Each new year there is time for reflection, but also time to look ahead at what might be bigger and better – and 2020 is no exception. Taking stock of the year in review, there was a lot going on in Highlands in 2019.

Mayor on Duty

Your mayor isn’t Santa Claus, but I’m making a list and checking it twice.   The town board will decide what is nice, not nice now, or never nice.  It will soon be the budget planning season, so let me share what is on my list of budget items.

Our View

Christmas is a special time in Highlands, especially for children.     But the unfortunate reality is that not all kids in town have the same opportunities during the holiday season.

Mayor on Duty

Let me do a brief follow-up to several items covered at the last Highlands Town Board. It was a unique session with the swearing of Marc Hehn, a new commissioner, and the swearing of commissioners Buz Dotson and Brian Stiehler for new four-year terms.

The power of the Christmas spirit

There are so many things that bring joy to Highlands during the Christmas season. From the annual parade, which was once again a huge hit in 2019, to the variety of Christmas activities at local churches – there is a lot to see and do in the weeks leading up to St. Nicholas’ visit.

Learning at UNC workshop

Highlands’ new commissioner, Marc Hehn, and I attended the “Essentials of Municipal Government” workshop last week. This workshop was sponsored by the University of North Carolina School of Government and the North Carolina League of Municipalities.  It was my third workshop, and for Marc his first.

Good news for bank customers

When it was announced last week that First Citizens and Entegra Bank would be compelled to divest a branch in Highlands as part of their upcoming merger, it was welcome news for area residents.

Mayor on Duty

Creating a comprehensive plan this coming year that addresses sustainability issues should be a top priority.