Opinion

Mayor on Duty - 1/16/25

In writing this column I sometimes refer to state legislative actions taking place in Raleigh that may impact local governments and our community. Seldom if ever have I referred to legislation that comes from Washington. At least until now. Before Christmas the U.S.

Mayor on Duty - 1.9.24

Every year the Highlands Chamber of Commerce organizes the Highlands Plateau Pickup in April, usually near Earth Day. This coming cleanup will be my twelfth as mayor. I wish there were a way to avoid this cleanup where folks risk life and limb to make our community healthier and cleaner.

Now is the winter of our discontent

As temperatures plummet into the single digits the next couple of nights, the onslaught of cold weather has brought back memories of unfortunate events from previous winters.

Mayor on Duty - 1.2.25

In a previous article, I discussed the issue of transportation funding, specifically how North Carolina funds road construction and upkeep through a motor fuel tax, aka, the Powell Bill. For years, this gasoline tax was adequate to meet NCDOT funding needs.

Starting 2025 with a resolution

Welcome to 2025. Following the New Year’s festivities you may be waking up a little later than normal, but that doesn’t mean the new year isn’t off to a rousing start. While most people who make New Year’s resolutions do so on Jan. 1, it’s actually equally efficient to make a resolution on Jan.

Mayo on Duty - 12.26.24

I previously wrote about the update the Division 14 engineer gave on WNC road conditions post-Helene. The update and others were given at a recent Southwestern Regional Planning Organization meeting of their Transportation Advisory Committee.

Sometimes its okay to think cute

Newspapers aren’t known for “cute” content. Most of the year The Highlander staff works hard to put together stories that inform our readers about the community around them.

Mayor on Duty - 12.19.24

I chaired the quarterly Transportation Advisory Committee of the Southwestern Regional Planning Organization last week at Southwestern Community College. We had several presenters, one of which was Wanda Payne, the NCDOT Division 14 Engineer.

New Rescue Squad facility is a fine addition

Having a crystal ball would make life much easier. For people who live and work in Highlands and Cashiers, the future is always a hot topic.

Mayor on Duty - 12.12.24

Thursday, December 12, is the last town board meeting of the year. The board meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Highlands Community Building next to the ball field. You can remotely access the meeting via the portal on the town website.