Sylva passes resolution in support of Fontana Regional Library
File photo
UPDATE: The initial version of this story noted that the resolution passed unanimously. Due to poor video and audio quality of the meeting, Commissioner Blitz Estridge's "no" vote appeared to be a "yes" vote. The story has been updated to reflect the true vote tally.
Two weeks after spearheading the removal of a resolution in support of the Fontana Regional Library system from the Sylva Board of Commissioners agenda, a move he later called a “rookie mistake,” Commissioner Jon Brown made good on his promise to introduce a new resolution of support, which passed July 24 — more than a month after Jackson County commissioners voted to leave the system over LGBTQ+ content.
“I’d like to make a motion to add an item to the agenda, to revisit the resolution in support of our county library,” Brown said at the outset of the
At the June 10 meeting, Brown moved to strike the proposed resolution, arguing the board hadn’t drafted, vetted or discussed it, and that it was inappropriate to take a public position on a controversial county-level issue. The tiny Jackson County municipalities of Forest Hills and Webster each passed a similar resolution the week prior.
Brown said Sylva’s board should refrain from commenting on what he viewed as divisive local debate. His motion passed on support from Brown and commissioners Blitz Estridge and Mary Gelbaugh, over the opposition of commissioners Brad Waldrop and Joe Waldrum.
Right around that time, Jackson County commissioners were locked in a contentious debate with supporters of the FRL who urged commissioners to remain part of the eight-decade library partnership that includes Macon and Swain counties. Opponents — many citing their own religious agenda — claimed the system was pushing an LGBTQ+ agenda, while supporters warned of diminished service, increased cost and legal liability over First Amendment concerns.
Brown did say in quashing the motion that he hoped the Jackson County Public Library would remain part of the FRL system and that he would remain open to discussing some sort of resolution in the future.
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On June 24, Jackson commissioners voted 4-1 to leave the system, ignoring hours of public comment, hundreds of emails and sobering financial projections by County Manager Kevin King. Chairman Mark Letson was the only vote against withdrawal. While there’s still time to change course during the year-long disentanglement process from FRL, commissioners have given no public indication they plan to do so.
Criticism from the community followed quickly and spilled over into Sylva’s July 10 meeting when Luther Jones lambasted the board’s decision during the public comment period, saying it was the first time he had felt ashamed of the board’s actions and describing Brown’s move as censorship. Jones warned that voters should hold board members accountable in upcoming elections. Gelbaugh isn’t seeking reelection, but Brown and Waldrum are both hoping to retain their seats and have drawn a crowded field.
After Jones’ criticisms, Brown admitted his move was “a rookie mistake” and that he should have left the resolution on the agenda so it could be voted on after debate.
“What we what we did last meeting in removing that from the agenda was probably not the best way to handle that,” he told Jones. “I’ll admit that, and I think that was a learning experience for me.”
Brown went on to express optimism that a resolution in support of the library was forthcoming.
That resolution came at the end of the July 24 meeting, after Brown had it added to the agenda at the outset.
Mayor Johnny Phillips read the title, “Resolution of support for Jackson County’s Continued Participation in the Fontana Regional Library System” and asked Brown if he had anything to add. Brown said no, Phillips called the vote, and the motion passed 4-1 without further discussion. Commissioner Blitz Estridge was the lone dissenter.
The only substantive change from the resolution presented June 10 was the inclusion of a clause noting that “Fontana Regional Library has processes in place which allow patrons to express concerns related to content and request modifications to content management.”
Commissioner Brad Waldrop was on vacation at the time of the vote.
