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Editorials - 01/11/01

Jackson needs voice on transportation board
Our county has not had a representative on the state Board of Transportation for nearly 30 years, and then we only had one for a portion of a term.

It's been more than 40 years since Harry Buchanan of Sylva was appointed to and served a full four-year stint on the powerful board that oversees North Carolina's highways and roads. Surely it's our turn now.

Gov. Mike Easley will appoint new members to the highway board in the near future, and we hope the one who will represent the 14th Division (the 10-county area that includes Jackson) will be Marion Jones of Sylva.

A former assistant to the District Attorney and a former Sylva town board member, Jones is no stranger to public life. He is retired now and is actively seeking the appointment. He's not only willing to serve, he wants to serve.

Jones, who worked in seven of the 10 counties during his 30-year career with the District Attorney's office, already has the backing of every judge in the district. He's got the support of the 11th District Democrat Party, and he has been endorsed by the town boards of Sylva and Forest Hills. Jackson's commissioners have asked the governor to appoint someone from this county.

Though it's not a paying job, Jones seems eager to take on the challenge.

"It's time to give back to the community," he said.

It looks to us like Jackson County has been consistently passed over when it comes to the highway board. Gov. Easley's appointments come at a time when this county desperately needs attention focused directly on its transportation concerns.

Traffic on N.C. 107 seems to increase daily, and, with the projected increase of students at Western Carolina University, will soon be even heavier. Jones has promised to make the Cullowhee Road his top priority if he's named to the board.

There's no question Jones could help Jackson County, but, to be fair, the district needs someone who is familiar with the 10-county area. Again, Jones fills the bill. He knows the people and the roads of the western counties, and he has an uncanny ability to get along with diverse groups and find common-sense solutions to difficult problems.

We urge Gov. Easley to appoint the best person for the job - Marion Jones - to the transportation board. And we hope everyone in this county who feels that way will express their views to the new governor.

Maybe then Jackson's turn will come this year.

Editorial policy

The opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views.

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