Opinion

Helene reminds us to appreciate the basics

You never know how good you have it, until you don’t have it anymore.

Mayor on Duty - 9.26.24

In a 4 to 1 vote, the town board decided to move forward with the amortization amendment to the current STR ordinance. While I advocated for a more cautious approach to reducing STRs in R1 and R2 by stricter enforcement of the grandfathering provision, I will support the board’s decision.

Board vote isn't the end on amortization

But wait, there’s more. That popular marketing trope is often used to hook consumers into buying a product based on its additional features. Everyone likes added benefits when it comes to household goods.

Mayor on Duty - 9.19.24

The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, September 19th. At 6 p.m., there will be a board workshop followed by the official monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be at the Highlands Community Center next to the ball field.

World Alzheimer's Day is Sept. 21

They don’t get to enjoy the most basic things we take for granted. Memories of milestones – graduations, weddings, births, all fade away. Even the names of their most beloved friends and family members eventually drift off.

Mayor on Duty - 9.12.24

I want to express my gratitude to all who participated in the public hearing on STR amortization last Thursday. Your input was invaluable in our understanding of this complex issue. The next crucial step will be the board’s decision at the regular meeting on September 19.

What you say matters, now more than ever

Last week, another tragedy played out in a school building. A student in Winder, Georgia, about two hours away from Highlands and Cashiers, opened fire and killed two teachers and two students while injuring nine more. The gunman was apprehended by law enforcement at the school.

Mayor on Duty - 9.5.24

A while back, I wrote about an STR boom town called Hochatown.  I recently read a Wall Street Journal article by Matt Wirz about another type of boom town.  Like the Hochatown article I wrote, the WSJ article, “This Texas City is Too Hot, Short on Water and Booming,” is also a cautionary tale.

Paving questions arise each fall

It’s a common refrain in Highlands and Cashiers, especially in the spring and fall as town paving crews get to work paving and resurfacing many of the streets within the limits of the Town of Highlands. “When is my road going to be paved?

Mayor on Duty - 8.29.24

On Thursday, September 5, at 7 p.m., a public hearing will be held at the Highlands Community Center (next to the ball field).