Editor’s note: Mark Swanger is chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners.

I am writing this letter to the citizens of our county in an effort to create a more open dialogue, to share ideas and values, and to offer an assessment of our progress, problems and future challenges.

Commissioners are just like other citizens of Haywood County. We have days when good ideas and wise decisions seem easy. Then we have other days when issues are unclear and people are divided. Those “other” days are when all of us need to work together to solve the difficult questions we face. We must agree to respect each other, listen to each other, and understand that no two people of independent thought will always agree. When we make a mistake we will say so and try hard not to repeat it.

We will be an engaged board — not a “rubber stamp.” Difficult or controversial issues will be tabled until at least the next meeting to allow reflection, study, and public input. It’s better to make right decisions than fast decisions. We will continue to hold an occasional meeting out in the county to encourage public involvement and to better educate ourselves.

Despite historic flooding and a recent economic downturn, our county is doing well. Flood relief was slow coming, but is now here. The clean-up of streams and affected areas will likely take years to fully complete, as will the process of buying land and homes from citizens in the floodway so they can relocate to higher ground. This recovery would not be possible without the help of the federal and state governments.

Our local economy is improving. The county fund balance stands at 17 percent — the highest in years. Our tax rate has remained unchanged, but that can be misleading. In revaluation years the rate should drop to reflect more taxes collected because of higher values. The last revaluation was in 2002, but commissioners at that time did not reduce the rate.

The next revaluation will occur next year. I am personally committed to cutting the tax rate at that time. We must find ways to reduce the property tax burden on our citizens. It is simply unfair for one class of taxpayer to pay for services used and enjoyed by all. No elderly person should ever be faced with the decision of selling property to pay property taxes. I believe a majority of the board will support my position.

Our economic development and employment numbers have improved. As you will recall the Economic Development Commission (EDC) was reorganized in 2003. From 2000 through 2002 Haywood County suffered a net loss of 609 jobs. Since then, we have seen a net gain of 561 jobs, despite the negative impact of the floods. Many of these new jobs are in the medical field, some are in manufacturing, and others are the result of the expansion of small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. Tourism jobs have remained basically unchanged.

There is more good news on the horizon. Consolidated Metco, the newly recruited truck interior components manufacturer at the Beaverdam Industrial Park will soon be up to full speed and will employ 75 to 100 people at first and more later. The Britthaven nursing home will rebuild a much larger facility on State Route 209 to replace the Clyde building destroyed in the flood. They plan to replace the 50 jobs lost and eventually expand to as many as 100 jobs. The county won a $760,000 grant to upgrade water lines which made the nursing home possible and will provide fire protection to the fairgrounds and water service to the Crabtree community.

The EDC has also worked with Plus Linen and Uniform to relocate that flood damaged facility to the industrial park. This relocation will save about 70 jobs and allow for expansion. We were also able to help 64 businesses damaged in the floods by providing grants aimed at making reopening easier and faster. Helping our local businesses to prosper and grow is just as important as recruiting new business.

The employment numbers are an improvement, but much work remains. Many people are under-employed, and some have stopped looking. We must work together to support retraining efforts and make sure that the community college remains a vital part of our economic fabric. We should hire local residents whenever possible, purchase locally made goods and agricultural products, and shop at home to support local businesses. All public entities should use in-county professionals, builders, and tradesmen whenever possible.

I think it is important for the commissioners to build healthy relationships with the towns. Remember, those residents pay county property taxes as well. There are many ways to form lasting partnerships. The reorganized EDC involves every town in the county. Working together we can do the same thing with recreation, law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, etc.

I encourage you to telephone or e-mail commissioners with your ideas and input. We will listen. Also, attend a commission meeting or watch us on television. The more involved you are the better we all are.

There are many other issues and challenges facing Haywood County — affordable housing, grass roots land use initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and many more. In the coming months each commissioner will write an open letter on a subject of his or her choosing. I hope you find them helpful.

(Mark Swanger can be reached at markswanger@bellsouth.net.)