To the Editor:

This piece could be titled, “How to beat a dead horse in 350 words or less.”

First let me say that Waynesville is a great place to live. My wife and I picked it for retirement over 20 years ago; however, every time I return to the city from elsewhere I try to look at the city the way a tourist or newcomer might view it. Coming from east, west or south you are immediately confronted with junkyards or eyesores. Across from Junaluska Elementary School there are dozens of junk trucks and trailers (many parked on the road right of way) that have been there for at least 20 years and probably far longer than that. Who pays the personal property tax on those? You and I pay tax on our vehicle, why should someone not pay the tax on those?

After you get past the junk, the fillings in your teeth begin to rattle because of the poorly maintained streets in town. South Main, Haywood Road, Pigeon Street and many others are in deplorable condition. Are we trying to discourage people and businesses from settling here? Where is the appearance committee and ordinance enforcement? Where is the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Realtors? After all, is this the impression that is good for business and appealing to people looking for a place to live?

The best way to get the attention of any public officeholder was best described by an ex-senator from Illinois when he said, “when I feel the heat, I see the light.” Chamber, board of realtors and Waynesville residents, it’s up to you to supply the heat. Call the city, attend the alderman meetings, write the paper, let your voices be heard. I do.

Bruce Gardner

Waynesville