A version of this story originally published in The Sylva Herald, Aug. 27 edition.
Story produced with Halle Stanley
Indivisible Common Ground-WNC hosted a forum for candidates in the upcoming local elections to introduce themselves and answer common questions.
Brooklyn Brownie, Joseph Waldrum, Dwight McMahan, Taylor Armstrong, Samuel McGuire and Calvin Autrey are running for town board. Jon Brown and Perry Matthews are running for the unexpired two-year commissioner term.
Armstrong and Autrey were unable to attend the forum. Brownie showed up for introductions but left before the questions started.
Despite running unopposed, Mayor Johnny Philips joined the forum to “hear your concerns and what’s on your mind.”
Around 25 people attended the forum. These community members submitted questions prior to the session. Organizer from Indivisible, Laura Baxley asked the candidates the six questions most asked questions from this pool, giving each a few minutes to answer.
Questions ranged from approaches and proposals to help Sylva’s unhoused population to recreational infrastructure for kids and teenagers. The questions started strong with concerns over the Jackson County Public Library.
Candidates all agreed to support a resolution to keep JCPL in the Fontana Regional Library system, highlighting the economic and social impact that could arise. However, Baxley noted that the Sylva Town Board does not make the final call for this decision, the county commissioners do.
“This is not about politics, but it comes down to fiscal responsibility, protecting jobs and keeping these services strong,” McGuire said.
Brown, as a current board member, supported the resolution to stay in the library in July.
“I want to do whatever we can as a town board to keep the doors to this library open,” Brown said.
The most divisive question was whether the Sylva Pride Parade should be allowed to return.
McGuire, Matthews and Waldrum support the return of the parade.
“Everybody is welcome, and everyone should have equal rights,” Waldrum said. “So, my neighbor is my neighbor, and I see nothing wrong with Sylva Pride.”
Matthews acknowledged the financial burden shutting down Main Street can cause but said that Sylva Pride should still return.
“If it comes back, I’ll see you there,” Matthews said.
Philips and Brown cited the economic and logistical reasons why the town initially shut down the parade as reasons to not resume the parade.
“I want everyone here to feel represented. I want to be the mayor that stands for every group’s rights safety, happiness and prosperity,” Philips said. “But we also have a fiscal responsibility with the taxpayer’s money.”
McMahan said he does not support the Pride Parade returning.
Early voting starts Oct. 16.
