To the Editor:
I’m writing as a Swain County voter in response to articles by Lily Levin and editorial by Scott McLeod in the July 15 issue. Thank you for your excellent reporting, local journalism and opinions at their best.
In Swain County there are a lot of local issues worth grumbling about: transparency, infrastructure, waste management, affordable housing… the list goes on. What to do to make changes? Vote and find out all you can about the candidates running for office before you vote.
It’s good news that involved individuals have stepped forward to run for local offices in both major parties and unaffiliated. These candidates for office will be available at town halls sponsored by Indivisible Swain County, a non-partisan civic engagement organization.
Mark Burroughs, Democrat candidate for District 119 of the N.C. House ,will speak to us on August 11. (Anna Ferguson, Republican candidate for the same office, spoke to us and answered our questions earlier in July.) On Thursday, September 10, the candidates for sheriff and school board will be available. On Tuesday September 29, candidates for county commissioner and chair will be available.
Each town hall will be from 6.30-8 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center, 125 Brendle St, Bryson City. Mark your calendars. Take this opportunity to be involved. Swain County has about 10,000 registered voters, so each vote — YOUR vote — counts.
When you vote your ballot in November, be prepared, and let your voice be heard.
Kathy Petersen,
Member of Swain Indivisible
Bryson City