Do we find it acceptable that parcels of property in Swain County should be held as Tax Exempt Property, especially when the primary reason for being in existence as a tax exempt property is to be underneath expensive condominiums on Swain County's only Golf Course.
Why or what is the reasoning for such discrepancy?
Why is this avenue for Tax Exempt Status not offered to others?
Why has it been denied in the past to others?
It's time someone explained to the Good People of Swain County just why they pay Property Tax and others don't. Why local people have to sacrifice so that others don't have to?
Why?
In the mind set of John Edwards, It looks like there really is two Americas at least in Swain County.
This Blog will have to agree!!!!
What do you think?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Steriods in Play?
A comment from a participant in a earlier entry raised the question of Steriods or Performance Enhancing Drugs in relation to Teenagers / School Children and Sports here in Swain County.
The site would ask for comment from those who may or may not have knowledge of such activity. We're talking about as the commenter said the future Health and Well Being of Swain Counties Children from our past as well as our future.
The site feels that this situation if it has went on in the past present or future is determintal not only to children or young adults but as well to the Morality of Swain County as well.
Would we chose to win at any cost?
The site would ask for comment from those who may or may not have knowledge of such activity. We're talking about as the commenter said the future Health and Well Being of Swain Counties Children from our past as well as our future.
The site feels that this situation if it has went on in the past present or future is determintal not only to children or young adults but as well to the Morality of Swain County as well.
Would we chose to win at any cost?
Wilderness & Buffers
There has been several comments over the issue of Wilderness and Buffers in relation to the Smokey Mountain National Park or the International Bioshpere as some would call it. The site would invite comment regarding this issue and as well ask that informative links be attached to these comments to back up the position taken. Let us look at opinion backed up be factual information. You as a participant are yourself a vast wealth of information, however facts to conicide with opinion is of great benefit.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Bravo for Sheriff Judd!!!
POLK COUNTY FLORIDA SHERIFF GRADY JUDD
Some dirtbag in Polk County Florida who got pulled over in a routine traffic stop ended up executing the deputy who
stopped him. The deputy was shot eight times, including once behind his right ear at close range.
Another deputy was wounded and a police dog killed.
A statewide manhunt ensued.
The low-life was found hiding in a wooded area with his gun. SWAT team officers fired and hit the guy 68 times.
Now here's the kicker:
Naturally, the media asked why they shot him 68 times. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, told the Orlando Sentinel:
"That's all the bullets we had!"
(Talk about an all time classic answer!!!)
Some dirtbag in Polk County Florida who got pulled over in a routine traffic stop ended up executing the deputy who
stopped him. The deputy was shot eight times, including once behind his right ear at close range.
Another deputy was wounded and a police dog killed.
A statewide manhunt ensued.
The low-life was found hiding in a wooded area with his gun. SWAT team officers fired and hit the guy 68 times.
Now here's the kicker:
Naturally, the media asked why they shot him 68 times. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, told the Orlando Sentinel:
"That's all the bullets we had!"
(Talk about an all time classic answer!!!)
WASSUP, with the SWAIN COUNTY SCHOOLS
In the interest of our Public School System here in Swain County, and the upcoming selection of School Board Members numbering (3), this Blog would ask for input into what are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Swain County School Policy. The Swain School Board has control over the developing and enforcing policy which is within the criteria's set forth by the State of North Carolina. This is achieved through the Board's only employee, i.e. School Superintendent.
Just what is your opinion of Swain County's School System?
Please use tack in your comments.
Just what is your opinion of Swain County's School System?
Please use tack in your comments.
Friday, January 18, 2008
GOLF COURSE SCREWS THE COUNTY AGAIN!
Would someone like to explain the reason that some parcels of land around the Golf Course area are not taxable even though they are property within Swain Counties tax base?
Why is it that the other people within the County have to save for their tax payments with even some paying on a monthly basis just to be sure that their obligations are taken care of?
Don't you think Swain County should offer up some explanations on this. Let's bring the whole thing out in the open and put it on the table.
Every Property owner paying property tax deserves to know just who's getting away with what and how.
The path to being tax exempt should be exposed so that everybody can get in on not paying property taxes.
For as long as the Golf Course has been in existence, just how much money never came in the counties coffers and then all they do is raise our taxes to make up for the short falls.
We're not talking environmental areas, we're talking lots with million dollar homes and million dollar views.
Just how low can you go? You tell us!
Why is it that the other people within the County have to save for their tax payments with even some paying on a monthly basis just to be sure that their obligations are taken care of?
Don't you think Swain County should offer up some explanations on this. Let's bring the whole thing out in the open and put it on the table.
Every Property owner paying property tax deserves to know just who's getting away with what and how.
The path to being tax exempt should be exposed so that everybody can get in on not paying property taxes.
For as long as the Golf Course has been in existence, just how much money never came in the counties coffers and then all they do is raise our taxes to make up for the short falls.
We're not talking environmental areas, we're talking lots with million dollar homes and million dollar views.
Just how low can you go? You tell us!
WELL IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Through various sources it appears that Job Corps is finally on the way back to Cherokee. Over the last few weeks the upper echelon of our Federal Government have came to the area to review the existing facility & grounds and come to some terms with planning the reopening of this Facility.
It appears that details are somewhat sketchy on the curriculum which is being planned for this facility. However the schedule for reopening appears to be early March of 2008.
Swain County will again have additional employment opportunities, as well as a possible additional voting block which could influence local politics, if left unchecked.
Should these students be given a pass to vote and influence Swain County?
We're talking about a somewhat captive audience which are brought to the area, educated & trained and subsequently returned to where they came from.
What do you think?
It appears that details are somewhat sketchy on the curriculum which is being planned for this facility. However the schedule for reopening appears to be early March of 2008.
Swain County will again have additional employment opportunities, as well as a possible additional voting block which could influence local politics, if left unchecked.
Should these students be given a pass to vote and influence Swain County?
We're talking about a somewhat captive audience which are brought to the area, educated & trained and subsequently returned to where they came from.
What do you think?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Just the FACTS!
The issue of the North Shore Road issue has been clouded over the years by emotion on both sides, FOR and AGAINST. On the one side you have the emotion of the people or their relatives who have strong ties to past and the promises made, i.e. Contract / Agreement.
On the other we have the strong emotion of being good stewards in the present time through environmental conservation for an undeveloped area with the lure of a monetary settlement in lieu of a road.
Should we ever be able to lay all the emotion to the side and consider only the facts as they actually exist, and how we have gotten to the present day without the influence from any side the situation should be solvable.
This Blog would propose formulating a time line from the conception of the idea of the Fontana by the US Government / TVA to the present, including all known agreements, promises, and actions taken by any party or agents involved to show the actual situation as it was and is presently. But again emotion must be left aside. It would be very important to place these items or events in the order of which they occurred so as to accurately show a path to the present day.
Once the facts are out in front of all then it would be time to intelligently work through a reasonable solution regardless of the outcome to either side.
Are there any takers?
On the other we have the strong emotion of being good stewards in the present time through environmental conservation for an undeveloped area with the lure of a monetary settlement in lieu of a road.
Should we ever be able to lay all the emotion to the side and consider only the facts as they actually exist, and how we have gotten to the present day without the influence from any side the situation should be solvable.
This Blog would propose formulating a time line from the conception of the idea of the Fontana by the US Government / TVA to the present, including all known agreements, promises, and actions taken by any party or agents involved to show the actual situation as it was and is presently. But again emotion must be left aside. It would be very important to place these items or events in the order of which they occurred so as to accurately show a path to the present day.
Once the facts are out in front of all then it would be time to intelligently work through a reasonable solution regardless of the outcome to either side.
Are there any takers?
Monday, January 14, 2008
A LETTER FROM THE PAST to THINK ABOUT
From the Desk of Lamar Alexander
http://alexander.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=1078&Month=12&Year=2006
SEN. ALEXANDER SAYS STOPPING ‘ROAD TO NOWHERE’ WOULD BE GOOD CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR TENNESSEE Urges New Park Service Director to Abandon Construction Plans
December 21, 2006
The Honorable Mary A. Bomar
Director
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
Dear Director Bomar,
I am writing to suggest that a good Christmas present for the people of Tennessee and North Carolina would be a National Park Service decision to abandon the proposed $600 million "Road to Nowhere" through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Environmental Impact Statement review for this proposed road is near a conclusion. Now is the time to bring this dispute – which has lasted since World War II – to an end. There is surely a federal obligation to the people of Swain County, North Carolina, but the U.S. Supreme Court has said there is no legal requirement to satisfy it by building this road. Common sense, as the elected Swain County Commissioners and the governors of Tennessee and North Carolina have said, suggests a cash settlement instead.
The proposed road would be a stupendous waste of taxpayer dollars – costing at least 75 times the annual roads budget for the Smokies – and it would be an environmental disaster, tearing up slopes and streams in one of the largest wilderness areas of the eastern United States.
I have opposed this road since 1984 when, as governor, I hiked the Forney Creek area of the Park where the road would be built. I reported what I had seen to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, on which I now serve. I have not changed my mind. I am enclosing my February 2006 letter to former Interior Secretary Gale Norton that further outlines my opposition to the road.
I urge you to brighten this Holiday Season by making the decision to abandon this ill-advised road so that we can begin to work together on an appropriate cash settlement for Swain County.
Sincerely,
Lamar Alexander
United States Senate
Enclosure
cc:
The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne
The Honorable Phil Bredesen
Members of the Tennessee Congressional delegation
Food for thought, what do you think?
http://alexander.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=1078&Month=12&Year=2006
SEN. ALEXANDER SAYS STOPPING ‘ROAD TO NOWHERE’ WOULD BE GOOD CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR TENNESSEE Urges New Park Service Director to Abandon Construction Plans
December 21, 2006
The Honorable Mary A. Bomar
Director
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
Dear Director Bomar,
I am writing to suggest that a good Christmas present for the people of Tennessee and North Carolina would be a National Park Service decision to abandon the proposed $600 million "Road to Nowhere" through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Environmental Impact Statement review for this proposed road is near a conclusion. Now is the time to bring this dispute – which has lasted since World War II – to an end. There is surely a federal obligation to the people of Swain County, North Carolina, but the U.S. Supreme Court has said there is no legal requirement to satisfy it by building this road. Common sense, as the elected Swain County Commissioners and the governors of Tennessee and North Carolina have said, suggests a cash settlement instead.
The proposed road would be a stupendous waste of taxpayer dollars – costing at least 75 times the annual roads budget for the Smokies – and it would be an environmental disaster, tearing up slopes and streams in one of the largest wilderness areas of the eastern United States.
I have opposed this road since 1984 when, as governor, I hiked the Forney Creek area of the Park where the road would be built. I reported what I had seen to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, on which I now serve. I have not changed my mind. I am enclosing my February 2006 letter to former Interior Secretary Gale Norton that further outlines my opposition to the road.
I urge you to brighten this Holiday Season by making the decision to abandon this ill-advised road so that we can begin to work together on an appropriate cash settlement for Swain County.
Sincerely,
Lamar Alexander
United States Senate
Enclosure
cc:
The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne
The Honorable Phil Bredesen
Members of the Tennessee Congressional delegation
Food for thought, what do you think?
Just what is the view worth?
On any day when the sky is clear as one drives over the mountains headed south from Newfound Gap, or from Clingman's Dome's vantage points you can view just what Swain County once was. Oh, one could say, there's other counties out there in the "VEIW SHED" but over 85% of everything you can see is what was once Swain County.
And what about along Hwy 28 going toward Graham County, as you drive along you can look to the north and see just what was once Swain County as well from another angle. Simply breath taking, mile after mile of Swain County undeveloped in raw form.
From an environmental stand point heaven on earth. From a human stand point concerning those who once lived in this heavenly place simply an open wound which is salted from time to time by a simple broken promise.
Let's put it in prospective.
They, those who once owned and flourished in this land gave there all or it was simply condemned and taken for a simple pittance, along with a small insignificant promise to build a road so that the burial sites of their ancestors could be visited from time to time, and as well to allow these people to return and remember for only a moment of what once was.
As time has went on the priorities of this mighty nation changed and little thought is given to this small insignificant promise since the prize of an INTERNATIONAL BIOSPHERE has been accomplished. Priorities to live and let live is given over to the environmental aspects with little concern to the Americans who surrendered to what they thought was a worthy and respectable cause in duty to their Country. All they want now is what they were promised. All they want is that this Country simply live up to its responsibilities and commitments.
We as a Country in times of peace as well as in war spend billions of dollars abroad to live up to commitments made over the years, its very troubling to understand why we can't live up to commitments made at home just because they seem to be politically incorrect now when it wasn't politically incorrect then. Why have our priorities, responsibilities changed? Why have we forgotten our own who came before us? Remember they gave what they had, it may not have been diamonds and gold but it was all they had.
When you cross over the mountains or stand at Clingman's Dome or drive along Hwy 28 and look upon this beauty, I would hope it weighs heavy on your mind that all of this scenery once belonged to those who gave all they had. For a pittance and a promise that is now politically incorrect.
In the overall scheme of things a simple road to allow people to return and visit their heritage, their beginning.
We should be ashamed of this injustice upon our own.
And what about along Hwy 28 going toward Graham County, as you drive along you can look to the north and see just what was once Swain County as well from another angle. Simply breath taking, mile after mile of Swain County undeveloped in raw form.
From an environmental stand point heaven on earth. From a human stand point concerning those who once lived in this heavenly place simply an open wound which is salted from time to time by a simple broken promise.
Let's put it in prospective.
They, those who once owned and flourished in this land gave there all or it was simply condemned and taken for a simple pittance, along with a small insignificant promise to build a road so that the burial sites of their ancestors could be visited from time to time, and as well to allow these people to return and remember for only a moment of what once was.
As time has went on the priorities of this mighty nation changed and little thought is given to this small insignificant promise since the prize of an INTERNATIONAL BIOSPHERE has been accomplished. Priorities to live and let live is given over to the environmental aspects with little concern to the Americans who surrendered to what they thought was a worthy and respectable cause in duty to their Country. All they want now is what they were promised. All they want is that this Country simply live up to its responsibilities and commitments.
We as a Country in times of peace as well as in war spend billions of dollars abroad to live up to commitments made over the years, its very troubling to understand why we can't live up to commitments made at home just because they seem to be politically incorrect now when it wasn't politically incorrect then. Why have our priorities, responsibilities changed? Why have we forgotten our own who came before us? Remember they gave what they had, it may not have been diamonds and gold but it was all they had.
When you cross over the mountains or stand at Clingman's Dome or drive along Hwy 28 and look upon this beauty, I would hope it weighs heavy on your mind that all of this scenery once belonged to those who gave all they had. For a pittance and a promise that is now politically incorrect.
In the overall scheme of things a simple road to allow people to return and visit their heritage, their beginning.
We should be ashamed of this injustice upon our own.
The Truth never satisfies the Dishonest.
Through exhaustive research of the ALLEGED Supreme Court Case cited so many times in the argument of the North Shore Road. It appears that the case in question was relative to no more than 6 families of the area looking for access to their property. With this said the rationale for furnishing access to this limited number of individuals was the reasoning behind the condemnation of the property's in question. Simply it was not reasonable for the Governmental Agencies to provide access based on this limited number of individuals.
There is NO relation to this case regarding the North Shore Road, i.e. replacement of Hwy 288.
Simply the case has never been brought.
Please reference this case through the internet by simply searching,
"USSCvsSwainlandowners"
Too many times we beleive some idle comment from someone who manipulates the truth to their own benefit. We believe it is time for YOU to DECIDE.
There is NO relation to this case regarding the North Shore Road, i.e. replacement of Hwy 288.
Simply the case has never been brought.
Please reference this case through the internet by simply searching,
"USSCvsSwainlandowners"
Too many times we beleive some idle comment from someone who manipulates the truth to their own benefit. We believe it is time for YOU to DECIDE.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Comment from a Commissioner?
The blog has found the comment forwarded by this person seems to represent the Commissioner's view in the proceedings of last Tuesday night. It speaks for it's self.
You have got to be kidding. Multiple times, names were called who either were not present, or the person who was called seemed surprised that they were on the list. Obviously, the pro-road forces were signing in for other people, which is against the rules.
Also, public comments are supposed to be limited to 3 mins or less. This simply was not followed by multiple speakers.
Linda Hogue, Mike Clampitt, Ellen Monteith, David Monteith, Mike Kesselring and a host of others all spoke. Clampitt spoke for far, far longer than his allotted time. Exactly who missed out? The leaders all seemed to get their shot, and in several cases, they abused the privilege, Clampitt in particular.
Finally, public comments are supposed to be limited to 30 mins total for a commissioners meeting. The commissioners let the comments run for far longer than this. They did not have to allow the comment time to continue, but they did. No one has any room to gripe that their voice did not have an opportunity to be heard last evening.
Mike Kesselring spoke about other communities making fun and ridiculing Swain County citizens. Your post here gives them just that much more ammunition - claiming that somehow last night you were denied an opportunity to talk and involking the Bill of Rights is beyond ridiculous. All that occurred last evening was that the county commissioners regular business was held up for hours while the same people made the same arguments that have been voiced time and time again.
You have got to be kidding. Multiple times, names were called who either were not present, or the person who was called seemed surprised that they were on the list. Obviously, the pro-road forces were signing in for other people, which is against the rules.
Also, public comments are supposed to be limited to 3 mins or less. This simply was not followed by multiple speakers.
Linda Hogue, Mike Clampitt, Ellen Monteith, David Monteith, Mike Kesselring and a host of others all spoke. Clampitt spoke for far, far longer than his allotted time. Exactly who missed out? The leaders all seemed to get their shot, and in several cases, they abused the privilege, Clampitt in particular.
Finally, public comments are supposed to be limited to 30 mins total for a commissioners meeting. The commissioners let the comments run for far longer than this. They did not have to allow the comment time to continue, but they did. No one has any room to gripe that their voice did not have an opportunity to be heard last evening.
Mike Kesselring spoke about other communities making fun and ridiculing Swain County citizens. Your post here gives them just that much more ammunition - claiming that somehow last night you were denied an opportunity to talk and involking the Bill of Rights is beyond ridiculous. All that occurred last evening was that the county commissioners regular business was held up for hours while the same people made the same arguments that have been voiced time and time again.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Weight Watcher Gone Astray?
Comments from the teaching staff in Swain County have generated grave concern. This blog puts out this information so that this situation can come to light and it can be worked out.
It appears that a weight watcher pool was formed within the Swain County School system to encourage weight reduction over the holidays for staff and teachers. This pool it appears to have been formed with the blessing of the Swain County School System which in principle is great,,, gambling but for your own good so to speak.
The real story is that since the effort was to be over a period of time surrounding Thanksgiving 2007 and pay outs for the pool were to be for each school winner, as well as over the whole system, nothing yet has happened.
So the question is really where's the BEEF, the CASH, the MOO LA. Currently nobody knows.
So how about let somebody know who won or where the funds went, otherwise it would appear the School System should cough up. Don't you think?.
By the way who knows who the Bag Lady or Man is? Let us know.
It appears that a weight watcher pool was formed within the Swain County School system to encourage weight reduction over the holidays for staff and teachers. This pool it appears to have been formed with the blessing of the Swain County School System which in principle is great,,, gambling but for your own good so to speak.
The real story is that since the effort was to be over a period of time surrounding Thanksgiving 2007 and pay outs for the pool were to be for each school winner, as well as over the whole system, nothing yet has happened.
So the question is really where's the BEEF, the CASH, the MOO LA. Currently nobody knows.
So how about let somebody know who won or where the funds went, otherwise it would appear the School System should cough up. Don't you think?.
By the way who knows who the Bag Lady or Man is? Let us know.
LATE BREAKING NEWS
It appears the roster for public comment session last night, may have been censored so as to deny individuals the right to free speech. We live in AMERICA, this is a representative government not some third world joke! How dare anyone step on the BILL OF RIGHTS.
Maybe the guilty party has the guts to step forward?
Maybe the guilty party has the guts to step forward?
Have the people of Swain County exposed the fraud perpetrated by its Leaders?
The settlement of the 1943 agreement doesn't seem to be as cut and dried as it has been related to the rest of the world it appears.
Now the Swain County Commissioners need to explain why a Group of over 175 have to attend public comment activities in order to have the commissioners listen to their concerns.
Sometime back these same commissioners silenced a planned public hearing citing that they had prayed about it and found that if they did hold such a public meeting it might be embarrassing to them and their faithful US House Representative. What a shame that they would put their own concerns above their sworn duties.
However last night the public showed up during public comment and voiced their dissatisfaction with any possible agreement for a Cash Settlement, citing no schedule for remaining payments, the possibility of Wilderness and Buffer Zones, as well as the slap in the face of the county from the previous agreement concerning the replacement of the North Shore Road.
As a side note to this:
It is a shame that even during the meeting the Commissioners or at least two had such negative feelings over the matter they could not raise a hand in friendship or respect to a past commissioner offering his own hand, in agreeing to disagree. This man treated them with the respect they were due however it appears they are not worthy of such simple respect. If this is a true measure of their character it is truly a shame.
Now the Swain County Commissioners need to explain why a Group of over 175 have to attend public comment activities in order to have the commissioners listen to their concerns.
Sometime back these same commissioners silenced a planned public hearing citing that they had prayed about it and found that if they did hold such a public meeting it might be embarrassing to them and their faithful US House Representative. What a shame that they would put their own concerns above their sworn duties.
However last night the public showed up during public comment and voiced their dissatisfaction with any possible agreement for a Cash Settlement, citing no schedule for remaining payments, the possibility of Wilderness and Buffer Zones, as well as the slap in the face of the county from the previous agreement concerning the replacement of the North Shore Road.
As a side note to this:
It is a shame that even during the meeting the Commissioners or at least two had such negative feelings over the matter they could not raise a hand in friendship or respect to a past commissioner offering his own hand, in agreeing to disagree. This man treated them with the respect they were due however it appears they are not worthy of such simple respect. If this is a true measure of their character it is truly a shame.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
What does it mean to be a Great American?
Isn't it great that we live in a country that allows free speech and makes provision for individuals to make up their own minds? A comment entered earlier commands that it should be brought to the fore front of the Blog.
I introduce you to another possible GREAT AMERICAN who speaks their mind,
Please welcome ANONOMOUS.
Anonymous said...
"You've got to bear in mind that "great American"="Republican".
Also for your future edification....."terrorist"="anyoneopposed to what the Republicans believe". Also note that "liberal"="communist". And don't forget that "blaspheme", "sellout", "sinner", "greedy", and "crooked" should be used as often as possible when referring to the Democrats.
Mumpower a great American? "lol"="laughing out loud"."
Now with this person's position made very clear let us move on to define just what is a GREAT AMERICAN: A person who is willing to enter into public service to help others without alterior motives and without dishonest or unethical actions in acquiring such a position. One who is ready to sacrifice for the public good.
This definition transends the mere stamp of party line Republican or Democrat.
A GREAT AMERICAN, could very well be you
I introduce you to another possible GREAT AMERICAN who speaks their mind,
Please welcome ANONOMOUS.
Anonymous said...
"You've got to bear in mind that "great American"="Republican".
Also for your future edification....."terrorist"="anyoneopposed to what the Republicans believe". Also note that "liberal"="communist". And don't forget that "blaspheme", "sellout", "sinner", "greedy", and "crooked" should be used as often as possible when referring to the Democrats.
Mumpower a great American? "lol"="laughing out loud"."
Now with this person's position made very clear let us move on to define just what is a GREAT AMERICAN: A person who is willing to enter into public service to help others without alterior motives and without dishonest or unethical actions in acquiring such a position. One who is ready to sacrifice for the public good.
This definition transends the mere stamp of party line Republican or Democrat.
A GREAT AMERICAN, could very well be you
The Truth never satisfies the Dishonest.
Through exhaustive research of the ALLEGED Supreme Court Case cited so many times in the argument of the North Shore Road. It appears that the case in question was relative to no more than 6 families of the area looking for access to their property. With this said the rationale for furnishing access to this limited number of individuals was the reasoning behind the condemnation of the property's in question. Simply it was not reasonable for the Governmental Agencies to provide access based on this limited number of individuals.
There is NO relation to this case regarding the North Shore Road, i.e. replacement of Hwy 288.
Simply the case has never been brought.
Please reference this case through the internet by simply searching,
"USSCvsSwainlandowners"
Too many times we beleive some idle comment from someone who manipulates the truth to their own benefit. We believe it is time for YOU to DECIDE.
There is NO relation to this case regarding the North Shore Road, i.e. replacement of Hwy 288.
Simply the case has never been brought.
Please reference this case through the internet by simply searching,
"USSCvsSwainlandowners"
Too many times we beleive some idle comment from someone who manipulates the truth to their own benefit. We believe it is time for YOU to DECIDE.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Is There a Border War Between TN and NC?
The following is a press release from another Great American. This blogs posts this information to spark public interest due to the content.
This blog does not endorse any candidate and has a policy of reveiwing and posting such materials as it feels is relevent to the local community.
Heath Shuler is a North Carolina Representative serving the better interests of Tennessee according to 11th District Republican Candidate Carl Mumpower. Citing the partnership between Tennessee Republican Senator Lamar Alexander and Shuler, it is Mumpower's belief that Shuler is either "outgunned in his relationship with the seasoned Senator or actively cooperating against Western North Carolina." "A pennies on the dollar settlement plan in lieu of the promised economic engine found in the North Shore Road deserves far more attention than it receives", said Mumpower.
"Whether it is the TVA's drawdown policies on Lake Fontana, abandonment of the North Shore Road promise, or an indifference to the fact that 85% of Swain County is off the tax role, we are surrendering to Tennessee's priorities at every turn", shared Mumpower. "The settlement plan of 52 million has the authenticity of a fly by night driveway pavement crew preying on little old ladies - just one city government in WNC, Asheville, has an annual budget of twice that amount."
Mumpower points to what he views as a glaring similarity between the original 1943 promise to build the North Shore Road and the current buy-out plan touted by Alexander and Shuler. "In both cases there was a promise founded on the availability of funds." "A down payment of six million is chump change that will buy our politicians time to dodge their responsibilities today as surely as they have dodged them for the past 65 years", said Mumpower. What is the real goal of the settlement plan? "In my opinion it is to make sure that WNC remains little more than a tourist passageway to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge."
This blog does not endorse any candidate and has a policy of reveiwing and posting such materials as it feels is relevent to the local community.
Heath Shuler is a North Carolina Representative serving the better interests of Tennessee according to 11th District Republican Candidate Carl Mumpower. Citing the partnership between Tennessee Republican Senator Lamar Alexander and Shuler, it is Mumpower's belief that Shuler is either "outgunned in his relationship with the seasoned Senator or actively cooperating against Western North Carolina." "A pennies on the dollar settlement plan in lieu of the promised economic engine found in the North Shore Road deserves far more attention than it receives", said Mumpower.
"Whether it is the TVA's drawdown policies on Lake Fontana, abandonment of the North Shore Road promise, or an indifference to the fact that 85% of Swain County is off the tax role, we are surrendering to Tennessee's priorities at every turn", shared Mumpower. "The settlement plan of 52 million has the authenticity of a fly by night driveway pavement crew preying on little old ladies - just one city government in WNC, Asheville, has an annual budget of twice that amount."
Mumpower points to what he views as a glaring similarity between the original 1943 promise to build the North Shore Road and the current buy-out plan touted by Alexander and Shuler. "In both cases there was a promise founded on the availability of funds." "A down payment of six million is chump change that will buy our politicians time to dodge their responsibilities today as surely as they have dodged them for the past 65 years", said Mumpower. What is the real goal of the settlement plan? "In my opinion it is to make sure that WNC remains little more than a tourist passageway to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge."
Saturday, January 5, 2008
"THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER, BLOOD MONEY"
This article was copied from the local opinion column. It couldn't be said any better. This blog takes no position represented but places this opinion piece out there so as to spark public interest. Mr. Herrin appears to be a great AMERICAN.
Cash settlement is ‘Blood Money"
While I applaud the progressive actions of a North Carolina politician, as well as The Hon. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, I would ask three simple questions that could very well help my own feeble mind in understanding, if only they can be answered:
1- What is the timeline for the remaining compensation regarding the unpaid balance totaling $46 million, and just exactly what are the penalties for non-payment in the future?
2- What effect will this decision to receive a cash settlement have on designating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or a portion thereof, as Wilderness, along with the creation of buffer zones concerning Swain and Graham counties?
3- Finally, in the past, the elected officials of Swain County have proclaimed their position on the issue of the North Shore Road both for and against, until now. The present position indicated was not made by the sitting administration and has not been officially endorsed by this administration, either by vote or affirmation.
How, exactly, should this particular point be construed, since the present administration has not yet embraced the question?
With these very menial questions answered, I'd pose a more in-depth part to my quandary which is vastly more important to me: That I cannot believe in my wildest dreams that such an issue was so important that this small portion of the total ($6 million or 11.5%) had to be hidden, not just in any omnibus bill, but in a bill that includes funding for our troops who are presently in harm's way. Hidden as an "earmark," as if it was something to be ashamed of.
Granted, there are some who should be ashamed for giving a new meaning to the term "Blood Money." Not only is there now an attempt to sell heritage and honor, i.e. "mountain values," but as well to do it at the expense of our very own troops who are defending the same concept of heritage and honor abroad.
It appears we have truly been working very hard for our share of the pot, haven't we?
May I suggest a corporate epitaph for the supporters of a cash settlement: "Thirty pieces of silver ain't so bad."
Cash settlement is ‘Blood Money"
While I applaud the progressive actions of a North Carolina politician, as well as The Hon. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, I would ask three simple questions that could very well help my own feeble mind in understanding, if only they can be answered:
1- What is the timeline for the remaining compensation regarding the unpaid balance totaling $46 million, and just exactly what are the penalties for non-payment in the future?
2- What effect will this decision to receive a cash settlement have on designating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or a portion thereof, as Wilderness, along with the creation of buffer zones concerning Swain and Graham counties?
3- Finally, in the past, the elected officials of Swain County have proclaimed their position on the issue of the North Shore Road both for and against, until now. The present position indicated was not made by the sitting administration and has not been officially endorsed by this administration, either by vote or affirmation.
How, exactly, should this particular point be construed, since the present administration has not yet embraced the question?
With these very menial questions answered, I'd pose a more in-depth part to my quandary which is vastly more important to me: That I cannot believe in my wildest dreams that such an issue was so important that this small portion of the total ($6 million or 11.5%) had to be hidden, not just in any omnibus bill, but in a bill that includes funding for our troops who are presently in harm's way. Hidden as an "earmark," as if it was something to be ashamed of.
Granted, there are some who should be ashamed for giving a new meaning to the term "Blood Money." Not only is there now an attempt to sell heritage and honor, i.e. "mountain values," but as well to do it at the expense of our very own troops who are defending the same concept of heritage and honor abroad.
It appears we have truly been working very hard for our share of the pot, haven't we?
May I suggest a corporate epitaph for the supporters of a cash settlement: "Thirty pieces of silver ain't so bad."
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