To the Editor:

I write as someone with more than 30 years of experience facilitating transparent, evidence-based decision-making across diverse stakeholders, and as a pro-democracy advocate who believes local governance is essential to community health. 

Recent Macon County meetings — the county commissioners meeting on June 9 and Planning Board meetings on May 7 and on June 11 — raise serious concerns about whether decisions are being made in ways that are transparent, inclusive and grounded in evidence.

At the June 9 commissioner meeting, within the budget discussions, commissioners signaled their intention to leave the Fontana Regional Library (FRL) system based on costs. This significant decision — while timebound — was not publicly debated as a standalone issue, was not placed on the agenda for public comment and appeared to have been made without clear data, a transparent assessment of costs and benefits or meaningful public input.

At that same meeting, commissioners considered applications for the Macon County Public Library Board of Trustees without clear evidence of interviews or transparent selection criteria. While no appointments were ultimately made, the process by which applicants would have been chosen lacked rigor.

Similarly, planning board discussions during May 7 and on June 11 regarding redistricting did not reflect a thorough review of available data. Multiple well-developed representation options were presented, yet deliberations neglected the evidence and engaged in a disrespectful discussion rather than engaging the full analysis. With this issue returning on July 2, public awareness and participation are critical.

Decisions affecting library access and electoral representation carry long-term consequences, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for those decision makers who step up and commit to this community. It is not always an easy job, and that service matters. These decisions must be made through processes that are open, evidence-based and inclusive of community input  —  and Macon County residents should expect nothing less.

Constance L Neely
Scaly Mountain