To the Editor:

Once again our county commissioners show their disdain towards the taxpayers. Judy Porter Poe claims she does not know why Dan McMillan resigned and follows up with the arrogant statement that she “does not care to speculate.”

As chief commissioner it is her duty to inform the public (the county manager’s employers) of the full facts of his “resignation.” Ms. Porter Poe’s claim that she does not know why he resigned does not ring true; it is her job to know and to make the information public!

This kind of arrogance being displayed by some of our elected officials and public employees towards the taxpayers is typical of the contempt with which they regard us. It’s time for the electorate to come to their senses and become more involved in the running of OUR county.

Almost as soon as we moved here thirteen years ago I started hearing about the “old boy’s club” and how they ran everything. The reason they are able to run things their way is the apathy of people who fail to vote. One thing you can be sure of the old boy’s and girl’s club will make sure their family members, friends and fellow churchgoers turn out to vote for them, and that’s all it takes. The reason that’s all it takes is; because the voter turn out is always pathetically low.

Let’s get to the polling booths from now on and Throw the Bums Out!

Mike Sawyer

West Jefferson

To the Editor:

The weekend of Aug. 12 was an energized experience for those visiting Lansing’s Ola Belle Reed Festival. This annual event is a heritage centerpiece for our region and a unique opportunity to experience the collective talent of a small, southern town. Seldom can one enjoy so many talented musicians and artisans who share their skills in an on-going celebration of traditional, country and Americana music and crafts.

What was most outstanding about this 3-day event was the enormous commitment made by a small group of community volunteers. These dedicated individuals were responsible for the success of this event, spending countless hours staging performances, feeding the multitudes and collecting contributions for Lansing community development.

This unification of human resource for community is the essence of the Ola Belle Reed Festival. These residents from the greater Lansing area found a common ground upon which to build their town – their chosen place to live. How refreshing it was to experience a sense of place – defined by the people who call it home. As they served food, welcomed guests, constructed stages, mowed fields or parked cars, these folks took pride in the festival, the town and the heritage of northwest Ashe County.

Thank you all for your involvement. Your personality shone for all to see. You enhanced the entertainment and defined what Lansing values. What it values is the human resource and the spirit that generates it. All communities can take a lesson from you. Like a family, you “circle the wagons” to preserve who you are and what you mean to friends and neighbors.

From an appreciative attendee,

Beth Dixon

Jefferson

To the Editor:

Since most people like fables, I would like to submit two for your readers’ enjoyment.

Fable One:

Once upon a time in a fair and fertile land there existed a governing board elected by the citizens. This board, in order to have a day to day manager of affairs, was endowed with the power to appoint such manager who was to serve at its pleasure. One day the manager made an almost unbelievable decision and turned in his resignation. Even though the manager was within four months of being eligible to retire, the resignation was effective immediately. The board, being a caring one and being reluctant to let the manager take an action that would negatively affect his retirement, said “Why don’t we pay him four months of pay and give him credit for this time so that his retirement will be whole?” This they did. At the same time, they agreed to pay additional money to the “acting manager” until a new one could be appointed. Lo and behold, everyone was happy?

Moral: If it sounds unlikely, it probably is.

Fable Two:

Once upon a time in a fair and fertile land, there existed a governing board elected by the citizens. This board, in order to have a day to day manager of affairs, was endowed with the power to appoint such manager who was to serve at the pleasure of the board.

Then there came a vocal minority from their support group (known as The Tea Bag Police) who placed pressure on the board to rid themselves of the unwanted manager. Their reason – the manager was signed in on the wrong book. Reacting to this, the majority of the board did decide to give in to the pressure. The chosen head of the board met with the manager and communicated to him this decision. He was told that his resignation was required without fail. When this word reached the community, the citizens made their unhappiness known. With this development the board, with one exception, regrouped and did what many elected officials do – they lied; blamed someone else or suddenly lost their voice. The chosen head said the resignation was a surprise; one blamed the legal wizard, “He told us not to talk about it,” and the others remained silent.

So the manager did resign. He will be paid and given credit for four months for retirement purposes. The “acting manager” will be paid additional money until a successor can be appointed. Behold, this left the citizens with questions.

“Why not let the manager work the additional four months and retire and avoid the questions and confusion?

“Why, if the manager serves at the pleasure of the board, is it a legal question?”

“Why, if the majority thought the citizens would be better served with a new manager, not have the integrity and courage to say so?”

“Why, if one had the integrity and courage to resist the pressure, didn’t the majority say no to an action that was morally suspect?”

And it came to pass that very few were happy.

Moral: You get more respect when you have the courage of your convictions.

Lloyd Johnson

Jefferson