To the Editor: 

Roger Parsons is running for re-election as Swain County commissioner and is a lifelong resident of Swain County. He is known to many in Cherokee and Bryson City as a UPS driver until he retired a few years ago. Roger is married to an enrolled member of the Eastern Band and served on the Swain County Board of Education for 16 years.

Roger regularly attended the Swain County Democratic Party Whittier-Cherokee precinct meetings before the Covid-19 pandemic forced the meetings to cease. As Swain County commissioner, Roger reported on issues and always responded to questions. Among other issues, Roger supported the EBCI on the Catawba Casino issue and voted for renaming a portion of U.S. 441 the Dr. Jeremiah Wolfe Highway. 

Roger supports the North Carolina Democratic Party Code of Conduct. When asked for a statement of his values, Roger stated: 

• I respect and value diversity and I’m committed to equality for all.

• I pledge to be honest and truthful in all aspects of my life and service as a Commissioner, trust is earned.

• I commit myself to be open-minded. May I never be so rigid in my thinking that I can’t learn from new facts and information.

• I will always remember that I work for the people. I’m accessible and will listen.

• I pledge to be a good steward of our resources.

• I believe that compassion, dedication and service to others is a sign of strength.

• I believe that we should leave this world better than we found it.

• I believe that optimism and a positive attitude are important in life.

• I believe in the “Golden Rule” and “Loving your neighbor.”

• I believe in a high standard of ethics for all elected offices. 

Roger’s hopes for the Qualla Boundary are to continue to work in partnership with Swain County on issues concerning all residents of Swain County. Roger’s hopes for Swain County are to remember our history but look to the future and continue to grow and improve our community. As a County Commissioner, Roger will listen to the needs of the people.  I encourage all residents of Swain County to vote for Roger Parsons as County Commissioner. 

Mary A. Herr

Cherokee, NC