This note was emailed to the e-mail address for response. It is only fair that those who can comment should produce the answer to this question. Are there positives aspects to our county?
I am a Retired American Citizen who is interested in a move to Swain County, but it seems that everything I read in your local paper is negative about the County. Can someone please tell me something positive about this county. All arguements have two sides.
The Rabbit
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4 comments:
Yes, there appears to someone looking from the outside in, that there is a lot of discontent, bitterness, and more wrong than is right. One thing, it hasn't always been this way. The problems now were created long ago when a few "control freaks" got the opportunity to seize power. And now, regretfully, we are all paying for their bad judgement and mistakes, both politically and finicially. It harder to do the right thing than it is the popular thing. Now, a few are speaking up and out about the miscarriages, and eyes are being opened. It will not be this way always, but, it will have to play out. My suggestion is: get informed, get involved, and participate in the community, because you can help make it better. And finally, by all means, VOTE.
I really thought the comments on this post, at least, would be a listing of the wonderful things about Swain County. A few:
- The beauty of the area
- Our rapidly revitalizing downtown
- A flourishing tourist industry
- The train
- The cultural diversity of being next door to a Native American tribe that really seems to be doing great things for themselves
- The new job opportunities provided by the casino and the local tourist industry
- The recreational opportunities - hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and of course rafting
- The relatively inexpensive lifestyle compared to surrounding areas
- The low tax rates
- Access to educational, cultural and entertainment opportunities provided by nearby Western Carolina University and the local SWCC campus.
Yes, there is a lot to like about Swain County. But did the first comment talk about any of this?
Nope.
It was yet again someone complaining.
Sigh....
Complaining or a difference of opinion, the are healthy. As long as no acts childish.
No one place is a Shang-Ra-La is it?
But the good points brought out by "i like it here" are true, but came at a price.
Our area is wonderful and is located between several large metropolitan areas being a easy drive in any direction.
Currently we enjoy a lower than normal crime and drug problem from these larger areas.
I guess our biggest problem is differences of opinions and Kudsu.
Today, many retirees find living near a college town and a National Park a winning combination.
I like the fact that I can spend a portion of my day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and not have to board a plane or drive hundreds of miles to do so.
It gives me great pride to live practically next door to a park that is special enough to be designated as both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
As for our proximity to a college town, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee offers a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year. Our own Swain Center for the Arts at the local high school brings an excellent variety of programs and entertainment to our town. Most events are free to the public.
While many of us do travel to neighboring counties for some of our consumer needs, it's refreshing to live in a small town with an authentic small town character. Lots of folks are happy to exchange convenience for the pristine, bucolic scenery that is prevalent in Swain County.
For anyone considering a move to this area, you might want to rent first and get a feel for the town and county. Having a sense of place and feeling like you belong is an important part of living in any community.
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