Gov. Josh Stein has made it clear that he intends on prioritizing Hurricane Helene relief in Western North Carolina. 

Shortly after being sworn in on Jan. 1, Stein issued six executive orders meant to expedite aid to the still-devastated region where some have complained about a slow response, especially when it comes to housing amid frigid temperatures. 

A state-mandated, county-wide property reappraisal took effect on Jan. 1 this year. 

Prior to the appeals process, the reappraisal showing a massive increase in real property taxable value for Jackson. 

Maconians are known among the citizens of Western North Carolina for robust and regular public input at local government meetings and this year was no different. But there was one issue in particular that galvanized the citizens of Macon County to stand together and speak up — efforts to weaken the county’s floodplain ordinances. 

It is very hard for me to continue listening to the ongoing issues of housing when I know we have codes to follow that are set forth by the international/North Carolina building, electrical, plumbing and fire safety codes. My general contracting company and electrical contracting company have worked with everyone to help with people affected to gain some type of normal life during and after the storm. 

When Patrick Bowen, president of Bowen National Research, presented a housing needs assessment to the Macon County’s board of commissioners earlier this month, there was one thing he kept coming back to. 

Homeowners and renters in North Carolina may be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance if they cannot live in their homes because of damage due to Tropical Storm Helene. 

Macon County Commissioners decided last week to oppose Commissioner Paul Higdon’s push to eliminate environmental health fees, an initiative he put forth as a way to address the issue of affordable housing that plagues not only Western North Carolina but also much of the country. 

As the recovery from the flooding disaster brought on by Hurricane Helene transitions to a different phase with more long-term priorities, housing solutions have become a major focus of volunteers still looking to lend a helping hand. 

In the coming months, the Macon County Commission will consider waiving environmental health fees, and possibly building inspection fees, after Commissioner Paul Higdon broached the topic at an October meeting. Macon County Public Health Director Kathy McGaha said the move could have unintended consequences. 

To the Editor:

The economy of this great nation, and indeed, the world, is a huge thing that, like those supertankers and container ships that help keep it all running, does not change direction very fast or easily short of some major shock to the system.