Can Economic Development and the Environment coexist?

Some would say absolutely not. However it takes Planning, Commitment and Good Stewardship. All of which are evident in the western part of our county.
Speaking explicitly of the Nantahala George and the associated businesses of this area it appears that Development and the Environment can coexist.
Has the area changed? Absolutely.
Would it have changed over time anyway? Absolutely.
Could it be being managed, maintained, and cared for better? That's debatable, but in all honesty that decision would have to be made at ground level while in the game and not from the sideline.

It's a cinch that progress and development effects our environment everyday and is in all likelihood inevitable. The big question is, can these changes be managed and yet satisfy the common goals of all parties involved.
In this particular situation it appears that they can.
The Nantahala Gorge Area looks to be a Shining Light of Development coexisting with our Environment, exhibiting the three critical points, Planning, Commitment, and Good Stewardship.

What do you think?

And then there was only "ONE"

Recently there was a meeting concerning TVA and Lake Levels in Swain County, at the Fine Arts Center. At that meeting people talked about Fontana Lake Levels and a 1.5 million dollars increase in Swain County's economy which was trown away this year. Evidentally TVA has done a study to show a 1.5 million dollar boost to Swain County's economy with a 30 day longer summer lake level, which we are now being denied.
I attended this meeting where over 150 people attended and voiced their opinion on how TVA was drawing down Fontana Lake, There were other Elected Officials from other Counties, as well representatives from Senator Burr, Senator Dole, and Congressman Shuler offices. My question is why was there only ONE Swain County Commissioner there? With this kind of potential revenue being taken from Swain County's economy shouldn't we as a county have not been better represented? Were they busy? sick? or just didn't care?
Thanks, Mr. Monteith for your interest in Swain County.

WHERE WERE THE OTHERS?

THERE ARE IS A TOTAL OF FIVE, RIGHT!

Fontana Lake User

Land Tax Transfer from the view point of the Teaching Staff of Swain County

The following is a statement of concern from a Staff Member of the EAST SCHOOL who heard the summary of the TAX Referendum as portrayed by the off duty County Administator today. In the words of those who would benefit in some fashion it appears the staff has the best interests of the County at heart more so than others. From the verbal summary the questions posed by the Staff could not be answered since there was no answer to be given which would endorse the positive position for the Referendum.

Staff Member:
"The Land Transfer Tax is merely another way for the Commissioners in our county to acquire additional money to use anyway they see fit. The children/educational system are being used as a device to get voters to agree to another tax. The problem is that there is no written agreement stating that this money is going to used for education only, and there lies the problem. If the referendum passes the commissioners will have the final say, and the taxpayers will be paying tax. It is a shame that our commissioners have had to stoop to using our children to acquire more money, if they would manage the funds we have a little better maybe they wouldn't need as much money. Another thing puzzles me , if the real estate marketing is dropping - How are they going to collect land transfer tax money? and if they don't get enough won't they just raise the other county taxes we all pay? It seems like the commissioners acquire the property for the new school without taxpayer approval- so I think they can do almost anything they see fit without our approval-
-We need to vote for a change in commissioners in the next election-"

Very Concerned about Us All