by Brian Walker
“This is the people’s government, this is the people’s county, and we must take care of the people's assets.”
Those words were spoken by Commissioner John Shearl during the FY23-24 budget discussion of the Macon County Board of Commissioners' Continued Session on May 23, 2023.
This past Friday, Commissioner Shearl and his crew from J&J Lawn and Landscaping Co. cleaned and pressure-washed the monument on Rankin Square in downtown Franklin as a volunteer service to the public.
This is truly leading by example.
As noted by Mr. Shearl during the budget discussion, much of Macon County's structures and facilities are in dire need of maintenance and repair - some need much more attention than pressure washing. Zachary Park in Highlands is one example.
Mr. Shearl said, “We just need to... get a list of these things and start taking care of these buildings and properties that the taxpayers of this county has built and paid for – they are in desperate need of maintenance.”
During our brief conversation, Mr. Shearl mentioned that acts of volunteerism are common in Highlands, NC. Perhaps it's time for all of us to find out where we can do our part.