<< Back 12/4/02 Outgoing commissioners highlight achievements By Don Hendershot As the newly elected all-Democrat Jackson County Board of Commissioners was sworn in Monday night, the old board took the dais for the last time preceding the ceremony. Outgoing chairman Jay Denton noted some of the accomplishments of the past board. Denton who served as county manager for two-and-a-half years, cited the first ever Capital Improvement plan. Other projects Denton listed included the new jail complex and improvements throughout the school system including Scotts Creek, Smoky Mountain High School, Blue Ridge and others. Denton said the past board worked hard to improve the technology in county government by providing PCs and partnering with Southwestern Community College to provide computer training for county employees. He said the board also made environmental strides in the county by passing ordinances regulating billboards, sediment and erosion and cell towers. “I’m proud of what we’ve done — proud of what you’ve allowed us to do,” Denton said. The other outgoing commissioners are Conrad Burrell and Franz Whitmire. Burrell said the board “had four good years.” He said the fact the board didn’t always agree what was good for the county. It meant board members were not just “a rubber stamp,” Burrell said. Burrell, who has served the county in different capacities for 28 years, said that even though he has chosen not to run anymore he has received no greater honor than serving at the pleasure of the people who elected him. Whitmire, whose service to the county — including the education system — spans more than 30 years, commended the past board for daring to take on tasks that may have been controversial. Whitmire also acknowledged outgoing clerk to the board, Darlene Fox. “This lady nurtured us along,” he said. Denton agreed and the board and the crowd gave Fox a standing ovation. New chairman Stacy Buchanan presented plaques to the outgoing commissioners. “Jackson County will be forever indebted to you,” he said. The new board appointed a new county attorney, Paul Holt, and a new clerk, Evelyn Baker. Commissioners also unanimously elected Roberta Crawford to serve as vice-chair. The new board also scheduled new meeting days and times. Regular meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on the second and third Tuesdays of each month.