Towns, county petition Easley to put Jones on DOT board

By Lynn Hotaling

With that in mind, county leaders have asked North Carolina's new governor to appoint Marion Jones of Sylva to the Board of Transportation to represent the 10-county 14th Division. In addition to Jackson, the 14th includes Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, Haywood, Macon, Swain, Cherokee, Graham and Clay counties.

In asking for a resolution of support for Jones, Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver said Jackson had not had a representative on that board in more than 40 years, since Harry Buchanan was appointed by Gov. William Umstead. (Though Buchanan was the last to serve a four-year term, Clint Dotson of Cullowhee was on the transportation board for a year or so during the 1970s when he was appointed to finish a term.) Sylva's board unanimously approved the resolution Jan. 4 and has forwarded it to Gov. Mike Easley.

Jones, a former assistant to the District Attorney, worked in seven of the 10 counties during his 30-year career. He served on Sylva's town board from 1989 to 1993 and is currently a Sylva appointee to the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority.

"One asset Marion has is his knowledge of working in so many counties," Mayor Oliver said. "He has knowledge of the people as well as knowledge of roads and geographical features."

The main reason she would like to see a local representative on the transportation board, Oliver said, is the need for greater emphasis on Jackson County's needs. A proposed "Southern Loop" which would leave U.S. 441 south of Dillsboro, intersect N.C. 107 in the vicinity of Lovesfield and intersect U.S 74 near the Comfort Inn, might receive higher priority from a Jackson County member, she said.

The idea for the Southern Loop came from a 1994 thoroughfare plan from the highway department's statewide planners. The proposed road remains a concept only and has not been placed on the 14th Division Transportation Improvement Plan.

"I think we have needs in the county that have not received the highest priority," Oliver said. "Having a representative from Sylva will help address the needs at Western Carolina University. I think we'll see a major increase in traffic on 107 as WCU grows."

County commissioners voiced support for a local representative Jan. 4 as well. They agreed to draft a resolution urging Gov. Easley to make a Jackson County appointment. Commissioner Stacy Buchanan spoke to other commissioners about Jones' interest and said Jones would be a good person for the job.

Forest Hills Mayor Irene Hooper indicated Tuesday that her town board also supports Jones' bid. Jones is interested in serving on the board, he said, and is "in awe" of the support he's received. Should he be appointed, he said, his top priority would be N.C. 107.

"I'd like to have the job," Jones said. "I'm retired - I've got time to do it, and I want to do it."

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