To the Editor:

I have been a political junkie since the Kennedy-Nixon race, but this letter is not about partisan politics, it is about the future of our democracy. This election is far from politics as usual. It is about whether we continue to have the form of government our forefathers created.

There is a candidate running for President of the United States who has attacked, at one time or another, every branch of our government. He has questioned the judicial system by claiming the ancestry of a judge disqualifies him. He has claimed that presidency is part of a global international conspiracy. He is at war with a very Republican Congress because many will not support him. 

In addition, many of the “policies” he proposes are clearly unconstitutional, such as a religious test for immigrants, the use of torture, mass surveillance and limitations on a free press.

 Some may consider all of the above as “politics as usual.” But no candidate since the Civil War has questioned our ability to conduct free and fair elections. And no American presidential candidate has ever threatened to throw his opponent in jail.  

Donald Trump has made it very clear that “the election is rigged against me.” He is not talking just about media bias, he is saying there is grand conspiracy to miscount the votes. Through the use of fear and repetition, millions of his followers are now convinced that their votes will be stolen. There is no telling what he or his followers will do if he is defeated. Many have suggested a “Second Amendment solution.” He seems willing to attack the very fabric of our democracy for his own  personal benefit.

A belief in free and fair elections, and the peaceful and orderly transfer of power, are cornerstones of our democracy. We believe in the will of the majority and the protection of the rights of the minority. Without trust in the electoral process, the system fails. History tells us what usually comes next is some form of dictatorship.

Louis Vitale

Franklin

To the Editor:

Are you an emotional voter letting the media and others tell you how to vote? Or an intelligent voter capable of looking beyond all the hype from both nominees and others and choosing the one whose common sense proposals make the most  logic to improve the sluggish economy which will motivate the private sector to create jobs for the millions of our fellow Americans desperately  looking  for work to feed their families. 

This is not a sporting contest; it is serious business. Perhaps it takes an outsider who owes no allegiance to either political party or lobbyists except the American people to try to straighten our current mess out. We have  some people working two separate 29-hour jobs because their employers cannot afford to pay the increased insurance costs. 

Last year  the CBO says more jobs failed and went out of business than were created. Are you going to be part of the problem or part of the solution?  Both political parties and most of the media have demonstrated they are interested only in their own interests. Look yourself in the mirror and ask do you really care about our country or just your party and your ego. We need real change not change like happened over the last 7.5 years.

Jack Hogan

Franklin

To the Editor:

As we face a drought, Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, not only vigorously supports fracking (hydraulic fracturing) in North Carolina, she instructs her aides to give callers a speech about the safety and benefits of fracking when they call her office. I called on another matter, and was told about how great fracking would be. Presnell voted yes for SB 786, to fast-track fracking, a bill which also extended big government, pre-empting local ordinances that would let communities make critical decisions about water. 

Fracking isn’t safe. Operations in other states have contaminated groundwater, according to findings from Duke University, and have also caused adverse health impacts. Water is vital to our national security and to our lives. Rep. Presnell is ready to jeopardize our water through fracking, actively opening the way for out of state companies to drill for export. Like Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, she pushed legislation without adequate time for study, and without requiring companies to disclose chemicals used in fracking operations — putting fire department and first responder volunteers at risk. The industry’s own estimates show that fracking would create only about 400 jobs in North Carolina.

Rep. Presnell’s irresponsible choices regarding fracking put drinking water at risk. She is up for election this fall, and it’s time to ask her to step down at the voting booth.

Autumn Woodward

Canton

As Jonathan Creek Road meanders south from Interstate 40 some 17 miles hence, it forms a “T” with Soco Road.  

There, at that busy three-way intersection linking Maggie Valley and Waynesville with the outside world, sat Doug Smith. 

Around noon today, a telephone call was made to local law enforcement. The caller made threatening comments about Canton Middle School.

New U.S. Topo maps are out, and the quadrangles covering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park now display trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, boundaries and other visitor information for the first time. 

A statewide challenge to knock out 100 miles of hiking, walking, running, paddling, skating, horseback riding or rolling a wheelchair in North Carolina aims to get people enjoying N.C. natural beauty and improving their health. 

A $3,500 grant from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority will help enrich the elk viewing experience in the Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Western Carolina University was among the 18 public colleges and universities recently honored by the state for leadership in reducing their energy consumption.

It has been over 10 years since the Haywood County Arts Council brought the Atlanta Ballet to Haywood County to showcase classical dance, but this tradition will soon be renewed. The council is creating an annual dance artist residency to serve as a new platform for professional classical and contemporary dance.

Brett Riggs, Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies at Western Carolina University, has received the 2016 Cherokee National Worcester Award for his efforts to preserve Cherokee culture.

To the Editor:

From my mailbox recently I pulled a large political mailer from State Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, attacking Jane Hipps and touting his NRA credentials, and I thought to myself, “what is this guy talking about and who, exactly, does he work for?”

First, no one elected to the North Carolina General Assembly has power to affect the 2nd Amendment. That’s federal. Second, the 50th Senate District represents seven counties in North Carolina that are generally poor, in need of help with schools, keeping water clean and creating jobs. If Jim Davis thinks the NRA, a powerful corporate entity, will help our small little corner of the state with education, clean water and jobs, then great. But that’s not going to happen. 

Jim Davis is the dishonest politician here. He’s opened the door to fracking in our state, imposed new taxes on things people need (including ammo), and has positioned himself as the lapdog of corporate special interest. He doesn’t know, nor does he care about, the families of Western North Carolina. And he is either confused about who he works for, or worse, knows exactly who he works for and isn’t saying.

Dan Headrick

Waynesville

To the Editor:

With the advent of the election season, my mailbox and my sensitivities are being assailed by political pronouncements and advertisements infinitum. If I don’t want to see and hear them on the television, I can just cut it off or at least curtail my viewing. Unfortunately, I also get multiple flyers in my mailbox touting the virtues of certain candidates and listing the negative aspects (usually spurious) of their opponents. Thus it is with the flyers that I receive on a regular basis from the North Carolina Republican Party espousing the virtues of Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and denigrating both Jane Hipps and Hillary Clinton.

These flyers are reminiscent of the ones that were sent out when Davis first ran for the North Carolina Senate, only at that time they were mailed by Real Jobs North Carolina. The money for these mailings came from Art Pope of the Pope Foundation and Glen Raven Mills. You might note that Art Pope pumped millions of dollars into the North Carolina elections that year to get both Davis and Pat McCrory, as well as others elected. Mr. Pope was well rewarded by being named the Director of the State Budget by Gov. McCrory.  

You might also wish to note that Glen Raven Mills was the last holdout to unionization in the textile industry in North Carolina. When the workers finally formed a union, the company promptly shut their manufacturing doors in the state and moved the operation to China. I do believe they maintain corporate headquarters in North Carolina in order to benefit from the favorable corporate tax laws that are supported by Gov. McCrory, Davis, and the Republican-controlled legislature.

Several weeks ago I wrote a letter to the North Carolina Republican Party (1506 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, N.C., 27605) requesting that I be removed from their mailing list. I explained that my wife is a registered Democrat, and that I, though registered as non-affiliated, would vote for Davis under no circumstances. I believe that my exact wording was that I wouldn’t vote for Mr. Davis if they paid me, which they apparently were attempting to do considering all of the flyers and the cost of the postage of the same that was wasted by sending this material to our household.  

In fact, I believe I described Mr. Davis in terms that cannot be printed in your paper. The mailings continue to arrive. Does the North Carolina Republican Party not read it’s mail, or is it too ignorant to understand the meaning of the word no? It may very well be the latter considering the Republican Party doubling down on House Bill 2 rather than listening to the people and the businesses in the North Carolina.

I am now beginning to receive flyers for the reelection of Sen. Richard Burr sent by One Nation (P.O. Box 34424, Washington, D.C. 20043), whoever that is. At least his flyers, so far, have not gone negative, but I don’t need these either.

Luther Jones

Sylva

To the Editor:

Your income went down, but your N.C. income tax went up. Is this possible? You bet. If you do your own taxes, read the What’s New section at the beginning of the instructions and you will find out why. Ever since Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and the Republican majority passed HB-998 in July of 2013, your tax benefits (that still exist in most other states) have been disappearing.

Do you work hard for each dollar you earn? No longer can you claim a tax credit for earned income.

Are you retired? Gone is the $2,000 or $4,000 (married) deduction from your taxable income. Nor is there any longer a deduction for being blind or over 65.

Do you have to put your children in daycare so that you can work a job to make ends meet? That credit has also vanished.

Are you hoping that your children can afford a college education? It just got harder with the elimination of the College Savings Program deduction by the N.C. legislature. And the list goes on.

Sure, Davis likes to tout the increased standard deduction, but when you figure in the vanished personal exemptions and missing credits, you don’t come out a winner.

And the flat rate tax ushered in by HB 998? Those of us with $30,000 of taxable income went from a 6 percent rate to a 5.75 percent rate, a $75 benefit. However, those with $200,000 of taxable income saw their rate drop from 7.75 percent to 5.75 percent, putting $4,000 right into their wallets.

And the sales tax additions are too numerous to mention in a single letter, but it is obvious to all of us that they hit the lower income group the hardest, that group carrying the wealthy on their backs. 

Sen. Davis’ negative tax changes are bad enough, but the spin that appears in our mailboxes is even worse.

Jane Hipps, through her long career in public service, has shown that she cares, and will work for, our quality of life. We will all be better off when she goes to Raleigh as Sen. Hipps.

Doug Woodward

Franklin

To the Editor:

Have you ever seen the light in a student’s eyes when they learn a new  concept? I have and its magic! 

I have taught science in the past. However, I don’t think it matters. If you get an experienced science teacher to assist, they will know how to teach the laboratory and more importantly they will know the curriculum for that grade. 

My own experience was with Mark Ethridge teaching fifth-grade science at Central Elementary School. Mr. Ethridge was knowledgeable, knew the curriculum and had a great flair for presenting science concepts with samples.

So, if you are possibly interested in volunteering to help with science lab in the public schools, I invite you to call me (828.246.0657) for help in getting started. The schools badly need volunteers and you’ll get a kick out of helping.

Hugh J. Burford 

Waynesville

To the Editor

I was astonished by your recent article about the HSUS bringing dogs from Korea to Western North Carolina. I have been involved in area shelters, rescue and transport since I moved here in 2000. I have never, in any place that I have ever lived, seen so many stray and unwanted dogs, not to mention the dogs that are tied out to barrels or live their lives in a pen day in and day out. I do not believe we need to import dogs to our local counties.

Does the Humane Society of the U.S. really need to go half way around the world to extricate 500 dogs? What was the cost to transport, shelter and medicate these dogs? Not to mention the time factor and man power used for flying that many dogs to our country that euthanizes 5 million or more every year!  What that money could have done on a more local level …. I’m sure that the recently flooded areas in West Virginia and Texas could benefit from some of that.

The article states that the effort was brought about in part to bring the public’s awareness to the dog meat trade. As a dog lover and a vegetarian, I find the thought of eating a dog repulsive. But I find equally detestable the plight of chickens, cows and pigs in the factory farms in this country. Chickens live out their life in a cage the size of a shoe box and pigs are in crates that they cannot even turn around in and forced to stand on their tiny legs supporting a very unnatural over-fattened body to bring cheap eggs and  bacon to grocery stores. I think the Koreans could call us on that!

I’m sure the people involved feel good about the dogs they “rescued,” but I venture to guess that there are 500 dogs in the U.S. that will not find homes because of it (some of them right here at home).

Jane Finneran

Cullowhee

It’s a constant flow.

“All day people are coming in and out of the gallery, to wander the shop or simply to say hello,” said Elisa Holder. “It’s exciting to see what each day will bring, because each day is different — it’s never boring.”

Local runners came out high in the rankings with completion of the Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon last weekend. 

A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to halt its plan to transfer the reintroduced population of endangered red wolves from the wild into captivity.

A 956-acre prescribed burn is being proposed for the Nantahala National Forest in southeastern Jackson County, aiming to reduce wildfire risk, improve habitat for grazing and browsing wildlife, mimic the mosaic habitat pattern produced by naturally set fires and bolster regeneration of desirable species. 

To the Editor:

I attended the debate on Sept. 29 at Southwestern Community College between the four candidates running for the District 3 and 4 seats on the Jackson County Commission.

The questions were chosen and asked by students from the school’s “Social Problems” course .The two incumbents, Mark Jones and Vicki Greene, have held the seats for the last 10 and four years, respectively. One would expect them to know all the projects, planning and accomplishments of the commission and they did. The two challengers, Mickey Luker and Ron Mau, were introduced and all four looked to be professional, dedicated and honest. 

During the debate, it became apparent that Luker and Mau were both very energetic and knowledgeable. They attend the commission meetings and were up to date on the planning and projects before the board. I feel both are ready to step in and have a positive impact on the board and the County.

Unlike the incumbents, they had new ideas and innovative solutions to get the county back to a balanced budget. During the debate, they were both focused on ways to save tax money and keep funding for necessary projects. 

All four candidates stated they were “for” fiscal responsibility, but Jones and Greene both have a record that shows a tax and spend history. In this case it’s spend and tax, as the money was spent first and when the deficit kept growing, they did what Democrats always do ... raise taxes. 

The innovative solution would have been to start reducing spending five years ago to match the anticipated revenues. but raising taxes is quick and easy. They knew there would be a re-evaluation on property assessments years ago but did nothing to prepare.

 I’m one of the many part-time residents that pay their “fair share” of property and sales tax. We shop and buy local, use local contractors and labor and support county charities. But we cannot vote. We ask for the hard-working, law-abiding, taxpaying residents to help elect Luker and Mau. Their signs say “Change is Coming.” I just hope it's not too late.

Robert Fromhartz

Whittier 

Editor’s note: Counties in North Carolina are required by state statute to have a balanced budget, and Jackson is no exception.

To the Editor:

The rivers are low, and so are the springs. As we face a drought, Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, not only actively supports fracking (hydraulic fracturing) in the state, he co-sponsored SB 786 to fast-track fracking. This bill also extended big government, pre-empting local ordinances that would let communities make critical decisions about water. 

Fracking is not safe. Operations in other states have contaminated groundwater, according to findings from Duke University, and have also caused adverse health impacts. Water is vital to our national security, and to our lives. 

Jim Davis is ready to jeopardize water with fracking in our mountains and elsewhere in the state, actively opening the way for out-of-state companies to drill for export. He pushed legislation without adequate time for study, and without requiring companies to disclose chemicals used in fracking operations — putting fire department and first responder volunteers at risk. The industry’s own estimates show that fracking would create only about 400 jobs in North Carolina.

Jane Hipps is an excellent candidate who is running against Davis in District 50. Jane will work to protect our water, and opposes fracking. In the 2014 hearing on fracking before the Mining and Energy Commission (MEC), 80 people spoke eloquently with concerns about fracking. The MEC received 220,000 written comments, the majority ardently opposing fracking in N.C. Instead of listening to the people, the legislature and governor have continued to actively promote fracking. Please let Mr. Davis know that water is too important to be casually ignored.

Autumn Woodward

Canton

A conference at Western Carolina University on Friday, Oct. 7, will focus on the intersection of the environment and the economy in Western North Carolina.

Bryson City was one of 10 downtown communities to receive funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to offer free Wi-Fi access in their downtown areas.

The federal government waited until the 11th hour to issue a response to Swain County’s North Shore Road lawsuit — and the response was not surprising. 

Although Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have overshadowed nearly every other political campaign in the country, that doesn’t mean that those other campaigns aren’t important.

The Jackson County Arts Council in Sylva announces a new exhibit entitled "Fear No Art" by Isabella Jacovino, an artist and author of many dark-epic fantasy novels.

Mike Wolf, Frank Fritz and their team are excited to return to North Carolina. They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the region this fall. The show is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on the History channel. The hit show follows the duo, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

A showcase on the life and times of Horace Kephart will be on display from Oct. 11-March 31 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

Local acres were among those covered by $3.8 million the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund recently awarded to protect farmland and agricultural enterprises across the state.

Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Fiber students Abigail Ahlberg and Tony Embrey both were recently recognized with national awards.

Bryson City welcomes second brewery

With the former brewmaster for Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin), Noah McIntee, at the helm, Mountain Layers Brewing is expected to open its doors in November on Everett Street in downtown Bryson City. 

“The building construction is nearly complete with brewhouse floors being finished this week. The electrical, plumbing, insulation, and sheetrock are all completed and in final paint and trim stages,” McIntee said. “Equipment is scheduled to arrive this week and will be unloaded and brought into the building with the help of our friends down the road at Nantahala Brewing who are letting us borrow their forklift for the day. Cold side equipment is scheduled or ordered, including glycol lines, basement beer cooler, and draft setup.” 

McIntee said the system is a seven-barrel brewhouse with four seven-barrel fermentors. By the end of 2016, they’ll be pouring their own creations from upwards of 12 taps being installed. Though they hope to sell their products at other establishments, most of what will be brewed will be sold and consumed onsite. 

“As the brewery is taking shape, we believe the rooftop deck overlooking Everett Street will be a main draw,” McIntee said. “Aside from the view, our guests and patrons will take away an experience of an authentic and independent brewery with the brewhouse at the very heart of the operation.”

www.mtnlayersbeer.com. 

Waynesville homebrew supply, taproom

The grand opening of Anastasia’s Ales will be Saturday, Oct. 1, at 428 Hazelwood Avenue in Waynesville. Live music will be from 7 to 9 p.m.

“I have home brew supplies, beer, wine, meads and ciders. I also have some taps coming in,” said owner Thomas Anastasia. “I’m hoping to have more of the things people can’t find in Waynesville, and turn it into more of a comfortable place that you could bring a date or group of friends to have a draft. I’m also looking for more of a gallery feel as I have a few local artist hanging some work, with more on the way.” 

828.246.9320.

Boojum expands brewery, taproom

As one of the fastest growing breweries in Western North Carolina, Boojum Brewing in Waynesville is in the midst of expanding its Dellwood brewery and downtown taproom.

In terms of the taproom, Boojum took over the Hunter Banks Fly Fishing space next door (Hunter Banks is now in the former Haywood TDA building), and the downstairs space. The need for the extra room came simply from long lines out the door and a lack of tables to accommodate local residents and tourists alike. According to the owners, the hope is to make the new Main Street level space a taproom and waiting area (with an outdoor back deck onto Wall Street), with the downstairs a possible game room and/or music venue.

Down the road in Dellwood, there will be a groundbreaking on the new brewery expansion in early November. Currently at 3,000 square feet, the brewery will more than double in size to around 6,500 square feet. It’s a move that will ease the increasing demand on the brewery, which has risen to the top of the “Best of” lists for craft beer lovers and critics. 

www.boojumbrewing.com. 

To the Editor:

The N.C. Republican Party sent out a flyer stating Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, voted for a middle-class tax cut exempting the first $17,500 of income from taxes. What he voted for was an increase in the exemption from $15,500 to the $17,500 exemption currently in place, resulting in a couple who makes $44,000 saving $115 per year.

He also voted to require new sales taxes to be paid on service contracts for appliances and cars, oil changes, flooring and appliance installation, kitchen remodeling, and admission charges to movies and sporting events. He eliminated the earned income tax credit for the working poor, eliminated medical expense deductions (which has a serious impact on seniors), and deductions for retirement income, child care expenses, and college savings 529 plans. He also increased “fees” (another name for a tax) for the Division of Motor Vehicles by 30 percent, resulting in much higher costs for driver’s licenses and registration fees.  

According to the N.C. Justice Center’ Budget and Tax Center, taxpayers making under $67,000 will, on average, see their taxes increase under the tax changes Davis voted for. These changes will result in an additional $640 million in revenue from increased sales tax and an additional $153 million from DMV fees. The vast majority of these tax and fee increases will come from low- and middle-income citizens.

Meanwhile what has Davis done for his ultra-rich friends like Art Pope who spent $1 million to help get Davis elected?  Davis voted to drop the income tax rate for the top 1 percent (income over $376,000) from 7.75 to 5.75 percent. This change in income tax rates will reduce income to the state by $2.1 billion this year, according to the N.C. Budget and Tax Center. The vast majority of this huge tax cut goes to the multi-millionaire top 1 percent. 

So how does this reflect on the share of all state and local taxes paid as a percentage of family income? Those making less than $80,000 per year will pay 9.1 percent of their income to the state in taxes while those making over $376,000 per year will pay only 5.3 percent of their income per year in taxes (Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy).

In summary, Davis has raised sales taxes and fees resulting in poor and middle class families paying higher total taxes while at the same time given massive tax breaks to the wealthiest citizens who can most easily afford to pay higher taxes. This is a classic example of a reverse Robin Hood effect: taking from the poor and giving to the wealthy. Western North Carolina deserves someone who represents all our citizens, not just his millionaire buddies.

Ed Morris MD, PhD

Franklin

To the Editor:

Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and his surrogates in Raleigh recently sent out a series of expensive glossy mailers claiming that Jane Hipps was planning on raising your taxes when she gets to Raleigh.  According to Sen. Davis, this pronouncement occurred at a Democratic Men’s Club in Franklin. As current president of the Men’s Club and having attended every meeting when Jane Hipps was speaking, I can declare that Davis’ claim is simply not true.

The claim is eerily similar to a tactic employed by Sen. Davis in his contest against John Snow in a previous campaign, even to the tacky graphics used in the mailer and his claim that he had no knowledge of the mailer and its false claims.

If you are really concerned about tax increases, examine Davis’ voting record since he’s been in Raleigh. The income tax cuts that he voted for benefitted only the highest income brackets and corporations. In order to make up the difference in state revenue, he voted for massive increases in sales taxes and eliminated deductions that benefit middle- and lower-income citizens .  

You now pay new taxes on everything from movies and concerts to your oil change. Taxes on mobile and modular homes went up — a lot. Davis eliminated the Earned Income Tax Credit that helps low-income families who work rather than collecting welfare. You no longer get a tax break for putting aside money to send your children to college. But don’t worry, when you buy your next yacht or jet, your taxes on those haven’t changed.

If you make less than about $70,000, you are now paying more in taxes than you did before Sen. Davis took office. You may not notice it because it’s coming out of your wallet every day rather than once a year when you figure your income tax. You still have less money to spend.

It’s time for Sen. Davis and his surrogates to begin telling the truth rather than peddling false information.  It’s an insult to his constituents — you and me.

John Gladden

President, Democratic Men’s Club

Franklin

To the Editor:

If you are like many residents of Western North Carolina, you probably cut hay, raise a few head of livestock, grow a good-sized garden, or keep bees. Mountain people grew up doing these things. These wholesome, enjoyable activities are our birthright and rural heritage.

These farming enterprises also supplement incomes in a region where quality of life is outstanding but good-paying jobs can be scarce.

If you’re one of these hardworking people who sells a few calves, honey, or fresh produce, you’ve probably noticed that you are paying a lot more taxes on your farm supplies.

 A few years ago, farm-related expenses such as fertilizer, feed, seeds, beekeeping supplies, and even tractors were exempt from sales taxes. Then, in 2013, the legislature passed House Bill 998, eliminating the exemption for farmers with a gross farm income under $10,000. That’s right — larger producers still have the exemption, while lower income farmers got a tax hike. Effective July 1, 2014, the legislature levied a 6.75 percent surcharge on every farm purchase you make to help pay for a 40-percent tax cut for huge corporations like Duke Energy.

And where did our local state senator, Jim Davis, R-Franklin, stand? He chose to stand with Raleigh and against his constituents. He voted to increase taxes on family farmers. Perhaps Davis agrees with Raleigh politicians who consider our small mountain farms insignificant. Well, maybe a couple thousand dollars in supplemental income doesn’t sound like much to an orthodontist, but for mountain families that income can mean a nice Christmas for our kids. It can mean paying off the truck, or even the house, a few years early.

 This November, we have an alternative to Jim Davis. Jane Hipps is running to be our next state senator. Jane is a retired public school teacher, tends a flock of sheep on her farm in Haywood County, and won awards for gardening and food preservation as a girl in 4-H. Let’s elect someone who supports our mountain values. On November 8, I’m voting for Jane Hipps to represent us in the North Carolina Senate. I hope you will, too.

Aaron Martin

Hayesville

Former North Carolina State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency

To the Editor:

I am a female motorcyclist who actually rides my motorcycle across the country, not one who hauls it around, and I support Hillary Clinton for President. Since January of this year, I have ridden to 42 of the 50 states. I have met people who actually ride and are supporters of Hillary. We, motorcyclists, are a mixed cross section of the country, and I know many do support Trump, and a few who are Libertarian, but there are Hillary supporters in the biking community as well.

I have been riding my own motorcycle for 15 years, but was a passenger and around the biking community for 35 years before that. 

While Mr. Immerman has not met or seen any bikers who support Clinton, we do exist. 

Bridgett Britt Aguirre

Haywood County

To the Editor:

Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, has unleashed a series of negative flyers against his opponent, Jane Hipps. His flyers are full of lies and half-truths. His claims about her raising taxes are obviously fabrications; can you believe any politician would stand before a white male audience to tell them she will raise their taxes by 15 percent? This is shoddy defamation by a shoddy politician, but unfortunately, it is shoddy political rhetoric we endure almost daily. 

As to the Davis claim of cutting taxes for the middle class, he is really just shifting your taxes. You now pay sales tax on labor charges and other areas that you did not pay before. If you get your car serviced, the largest portion of the bill is usually for labor; now that labor will cost you 7 percent more under the Davis sales tax. Your license plate tags now cost you almost double, as will your driver’s license renewals, and the list goes on and on. What little you save on income tax will cost you double in other taxes and higher fees.

Davis is a puppet of ALEC, the organization that promotes government to the highest bidder. He has voted to gerrymander much of North Carolina; voted to allow fracking in Western North Carolina; voted to deny federal extensions to Medicaid, a serious loss to our community; voted to allow private financing of student loans for our two-year colleges, costing students millions by opting out of federal loan assistance; voted to limit damages for medical malpractice; and voted to reduce healthcare options for teachers. Still, the senator feels compelled to use deception to win the game. To find the real truth, check with the Democrat Men’s Club in Franklin or with Jane herself; then go to votesmart.org, a bipartisan vote site, to check on Davis’ voting record. 

 Sen. Davis is not originally from North Carolina, while Jane Hipps is a native North Carolinian with a long history in Western North Carolina as a teacher and pediatric nurse. She has observed the political arena of District 50 first hand through the political career of her husband and as a resident for many years. I hope you noticed her recent endorsement by Aaron Martin, a former North Carolina Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Since 2009 and 2010, North Carolina has undergone a strategic makeover called Redmap: a plan designed by Art Pope to turn North Carolina red by gerrymandering, large infusions of money, and by orchestrating a right-wing smear campaign on Democrats. But I know you will agree with me that politics should not be a get-rich-quick forum for billionaires. Be informed: check out this article by Jane Mayer in The New Yorker, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/10/10/state-for-sale.  

With a large turnout in the 2016 elections by a well-informed electorate, we can return to a better North Carolina, especially Western North Carolina, more focused on the needs of the middle-class.

Ruth Ballard

Hayesville

Editor’s note: The flyers attacking Jane Hipps — Sen. Jim Davis’ opponent — are from the N.C. Republican Party and state that they are “not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.”

Since the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Michal Smolen has been hopping continents to finish out the post-Rio racing season, but The Smoky Mountain News caught up with him for an email conversation about paddling, Olympic dreams and the value of American citizenship. 

Mosquito spraying for Zika virus in other states has led some North Carolina beekeepers to ask what they can do to protect their beehives, and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is asking bee owners to let farmers and pesticide applicators know their hive locations using the BeeCheck mapping software. 

A woman perished following a fall at the Newfound Gap parking lot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park last week.

Sales of North Carolina Friends of the Smokies license plates brought in $118,240 to support the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the second quarter of 2016.

By Martin Dyckman • Guest Columnist

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump both have their liabilities, but his are so much more numerous and serious than hers that the race should not be nearly as close as it seems to be. 

If you’re for Trump because you agree with what you think he stands for, or if you just can’t bear to vote for any Democrat, or if you simply admire his chutzpah, or if you sympathize with his bigotry, so be it.

If you are undecided or just want more information about the Nov. 8 election, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know the candidates. Here is a schedule of upcoming candidate forums. (If any group has a forum planned that is not listed, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Jessi at 828.452.4251.)

To the Editor:

I remember John Snow. For those that don’t, he was the three-term state senator from this district who was defeated by Jim Davis in 2010. The tactics employed by and on behalf of Davis to defeat the most conservative Democrat in the state Senate were so outrageous that, the  New Yorker magazine published an exposé in 2011 called “State for Sale.” (Just Google “NewYorker-State for Sale”)

Almost a million dollars was spent to defeat Snow, many times more money than had ever been spent in a local Senate race, and most of it came from outside the district. 

One of the most effective attacks on John Snow was a blizzard of mailers stuffing all the mail boxes in the district. All of them contained either outright lies or twisted “facts” attacking his personal character or his very conservative voting record in the Senate. To this day, Sen. Davis says he had “nothing to do with them.”

Well guess what, another Sen. Davis flyer has appeared in district mail boxes. This time it is an attack on Jane Hipps, who is running to unseat him this November. True to form it contains a very questionable allegation that some would call a lie. The flyer reads “Jane Hipps told the Macon County Democratic Men’s Club the very first thing she would do in the State Senate is to raise our income taxes by at least 15 percent.”

I have been in the Democratic Men’s Club since it was formed and I am now the treasurer of the Club. I don’t think I have missed any meetings, and I have heard Jane Hipps speak many times. I have never heard her say she would raise any tax by 15 percent.

The Supreme Court decided in the Citizens United case to allow the super rich to buy our politicians. Isn’t it time that the price of a politician was reduced to something the middle class could afford? Isn’t it time we respectfully discuss real policy differences? It is just hard to believe that our local dentist Jim Davis would become the poster child for this kind of dirty politics.  

Louis Vitale

Franklin

To the Editor:

In the August 31 edition of The Smoky Mountain News, guest columnist Hannah McLeod asked “Where are all the women?” in reference to the presidential election. 

My answer is that thoughtful and smart women — those not voting gender or who wisely do not see the contest as man versus woman — are supporting a truthful proven leader and successful businessman who is not a seasoned politician. That candidate is Donald Trump, who campaigns to create jobs, revive an eight-year economic disaster, reform immigration policy, tighten security to keep us safe in a world rampant with terrorism, rebuild our military and return the USA to the position of respected and admired world leader. 

Trump loves Americans — all of us. This is not an election to reach a milestone, satisfy a quest for equalization or serve as a means to unite women. This election is one where we must elect a president who will restore our country’s economy, culture, safety and prosperity to expected levels. There is much more at stake other than a historic notch in our belts.

Women who think Hillary Clinton is a candidate worthy of the female vote should check out her record of lies concerning Whitewater and Travelgate. As secretary of state she mishandled requested protection for Americans in Benghazi where four Americans including our ambassador were killed.

Now her lies mount about all the official emails supposedly turned over to investigators only to find out thousands were destroyed. When accused of mishandling classified documents she professes that she did not know “C” on an email denoted it was confidential or classified. Are we to believe someone with over 30 years in government serving on numerous committees requiring confidential screenings cannot recognize a symbol for classified?

Hillary Clinton is no champion for women. Gender voters should know Clinton ran a war room when her husband first ran for president to crack down on bimbo eruptions from women Bill Clinton sexually harassed. Hillary Clinton denigrated, denounced, discredited, intimidated and targeted women who were known as Bill Clinton’s bimbos. Google women like Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broderick. There’s a long list that includes Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern with whom President Bill Clinton committed acts in the Oval Office that led to his impeachment. 

Yes, a female presidential candidate is something women can and eventually will be proud of and support. But not this woman. She does not deserve the votes of women who are sincere supporters of trustworthiness and women’s rights. In the future we women will all be proud of a female president who deserves our respect, admiration and vote. That woman is not Hillary Clinton. 

Carol Adams

Glenville

To the Editor:

I was one of the people who was turned away from Rep. Mark Meadows’ meeting at the Macon County Courthouse on Aug. 30. A group of about 30 people thought the congressman was having a public meeting to discuss the Forest Service Plan Revision for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests. He was quoted as saying that it is important to get a real open, honest dialogue. If this was truly the intent, why was the meeting closed to his constituents but not those who support the congressman’s preferences? 

I spoke with Meadows, and he said the North Carolina Open Meetings Law only applies when there is a majority from any one government agency in attendance. 

Obviously, the congressman, the government officials, and Forest Service staff in attendance knew this fine point of the law. They followed the letter of the law but blatantly violated its spirit.  

The content of this meeting was of utmost importance, but the way it was held should be a cause of concern. They seem to have forgotten that this government should be of, by, and for the people.  

Press reports indicate that one of the major concerns expressed at the meeting was access in Wilderness in case of emergencies. Macon County’s EMS director said local emergency workers have not had a problem getting in touch with the local district ranger when emergencies have occurred. Yet Meadows questioned a district ranger making decisions on health and safety. If I was a district ranger, I would feel somewhat indignant that my knowledge, experience and qualifications are  considered insufficient in making such decisions. 

As a senior citizen quite older than the average age in the district, I resent the statement that Wilderness is beyond my capabilities. A senior citizen has to be moderately fit to enjoy the Wilderness, but maybe more seniors would become fit and enjoy better health if the wonders of nature without noise, distractions, and threats of hunters were more available to them. And, let me add, most folks can walk on a trail but most folks cannot hunt because of lack of skill, equipment or desire.  

I urge Rep. Meadows to right this wrong: hold a public meeting open to all his constituents and have the willingness to listen to all opinions, even those he may not agree with.   

Olga Pader

Franklin 

A revamped website is allowing people to discover North Carolina’s natural heritage in new ways through the N.C. Natural Heritage Program.

Classroom lessons focusing on Cherokee culture and ecology of the Great Smoky Mountains will expand to schools in seven Western North Carolina counties thanks to a $102,500 grant that the Cherokee Preservation Foundation awarded to Friends of the Smokies.