Dear Editor,

We have the constant challenge of keeping our town out of the clutches of developers, whose primary interest is making money. In contrast, most of us who live here simply want to keep our town as a good place to live.

Therefore, there are serious concerns about mayoral candidate Tom Mahowald. He states in The Mountain-Ear that a major goal for him is “business development,” bringing in “21st century businesses” (whatever that means). That would likely mean replacing downtown buildings owned by Ron Mitchell with new buildings and new businesses, and would drastically change our town. Ned might then resemble touristy places like Breckenridge.

Mahowald says nothing about keeping the character of Ned that we all love. From his statement, his idea of community values is events like FDG days that bring in crowds and money. Is that really why we live here?

There are similar concerns about trustee candidate Riley McAllister. He states that his “main focus” is to “redevelop 1st Street.” We don’t need or want that kind of development. There are much more important issues to address.

However, I very much appreciate mayoral candidate Billy Giblin, who wants to improve Ned, but also wants to help Ned retain its special character and culture. Giblin says he’s seen too many mountain towns have their character destroyed by development, forcing out long-time residents. That could easily happen here.

I also favor Jesse Seavers, who wants to address the most serious of the town’s problems, but who is not intent on rebuilding downtown.

So, to keep Nederland as a unique and wonderful place to live, I recommend voting for Seavers and Giblin.

Arden Buck

Nederland