Growth is inevitable, how we grow is a choice
I appreciate my colleague taking the time to explain his vote (“Why I voted to annex Queen’s Farm,” April 22 SMN) to annex Queen’s Farm. These are the kinds of decisions that deserve a full and open discussion.
We agree on many of the challenges facing our community. Growth is happening. Affordable housing is scarce. And we have a responsibility to provide services without placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
Where we differ is on what this decision represents.
Waynesville incumbents look to steady recovery
Waynesville isn’t just another mountain town still recovering from Hurricane Helene — it’s Haywood County’s economic, cultural and governmental hub. Nearly everything that happens in the largest municipality in the state’s western seven counties has ripple effects beyond its borders, from disaster recovery and infrastructure planning to affordable housing and fiscal stability.
Waynesville repairs, reopens damaged bridge despite lack of FEMA funding
More than six months after Hurricane Helene dealt millions in damage to government infrastructure across the region, the Town of Waynesville reopened a newly repaired bridge — despite the complete absence of FEMA funding.
Solar panels proposed for Waynesville town facilities
Two members of Waynesville’s Town Council, Chuck Dickson and Jon Feichter, have come forward with a bold proposal that could save the town thousands of dollars over decades if they can find a way to pay for it.
Waynesville budget will come down to the wire
A rare public impasse by Council Members over the Town of Waynesville’s proposed budget will leave things unsettled for the time being, foreshadowing prolonged negotiations over an all-but-certain tax increase.
Arch unveiled in Waynesville
June 1, 2024, was a historic day for a historic town, as members of Waynesville’s government and the Downtown Waynesville Association were present to unveil a new decorative arch over South Main Street, replacing one torn down more than 50 years ago.
Mounting capital needs put tax increase on the table in Waynesville
Waynesville’s town government has kept taxes as low as possible for as long as possible, but is quickly finding truth in the adage, “It’s easier to keep up than to catch up” — over the years, capital spending hasn’t kept up with the town’s needs, and now taxpayers may be looking at a costly game of catch-up.
Incumbents roll, ‘Team Waynesville’ falls flat
They ran a noisy campaign, filled with distortions, misinformation and outright fabrication, but in the end, that’s all it was — noise.
Sewage plant claims heat up Waynesville election
Despite largely refusing to show up for forums or interviews, a slate of far-right candidates has tried multiple times to spread misinformation in the lead-up to Waynesville’s November election — both on the internet and in printed campaign materials — but their most recent attempt to do so, concerning waste water treatment plant funding, doesn’t appear to hold water either.
Pivotal election in Waynesville this year
Voters in Waynesville are preparing for a contentious election that offers very different visions for the future of the town the candidates want to lead.
