To the Editor:

I would like to applaud The Smoky Mountain News for the articles on the Haywood County Commission candidates. It was fair and impartial and all six candidates had a chance to qualify their answers. Naturally, those who are in the trenches have more insight into certain issues, but we must remember as Kirk said that the first time or beginning as a commissioner is new to all.

While serving on the school board is government experience, it is not the same as being a commissioner where the day never ends. Calls can come at any time and involve any issue. The question is not that one is better than another, as I am impressed with the quality of the incumbents but I feel that perhaps governmental service should not be a career. However, the voters in their wisdom can retire any one they want.

One item not mentioned in this campaign as far as I noticed is any refinancing of bond issues to benefit from the much lower interest rates. I’m sure that this was done and that’s the reason for its absence from the discussion.

I have observed that this campaign has been very clean and sign disappearance has been little. That speaks well for all.

Some opine that elections are too costly, but they don’t suggest alternatives. We have many offices that could and should be nonpartisan, and why we continue with the archaic is unexplainable. 

We should applaud the candidates for the county commission for offering their services that consume so much of their time. A clean election should be the 11th commandment as we’ve all seen the other. Thanks Smoky Mountain News for these articles.

KG Watson

Maggie Valley