The Jackson County Planning Board will have a new face at the table with the appointment of Bonnie Claxton, a Sylva attorney with Legal Aid for North Carolina who previously worked with Coward, Hicks & Siler. 

“She wants to do this and it’s not an easy job, but I think she will be very good in the position,” said Jackson County Commissioner Boyce Dietz, who made the recommendation. 

Claxton will replace Ben Burgin, who had not participated in board activities for the past year or responded to communications, warranting his removal, Chairman Brian McMahan said. 

“That is a very important board that meets on a regular basis,” McMahan said. “It’s very important to have people at the table making those decisions.”

— By Holly Kays, staff writer