There are those, supporting the full build alternative, who attempt to frame this situation as one indicating a lack of moral fiber in dealing with the issues. Of course, one could show that moral substance by agreeing with them and choosing their preference. By doing that, one can be redeemed and regain respect. The cleverness they have shown in developing and marketing slogans is remarkable. “A Promise is a Promise” and “My Heritage is not for sale” are two standouts. It is tragic that they have chosen such an approach and to villanize those who disagree with them, attributing all sorts of evil motives and personality defects. History is full of examples of the errors in judgment when people convince themselves that the ends justify the means. It is a very recent accomplishment that people in the [organization affiliation omitted] were referred to by Charles Taylor as “good people” and said that the people of Swain County were entitled to both the road and the money (Swain County Republican Convention 2004).

They have not accepted the responsibility for their failures over the last 62 years. Getting congress to appropriate money for controversial projects is an enormous task. They have not developed a political coalition of sufficient breadth to pass one bill in congress. While it is true that Congressmen Taylor was successful in slipping the $16 million through, that in itself is a blatant recognition of the certain failure of this being a successful long-term project. It is unlikely that Congressmen Taylor will be there himself during most of the time that very high levels of intense political support will be required. Their strategy insures a continuing controversy indefinitely into the future.

[Organization affiliation omitted] has a nationwide coalition, majority support of the Swain County Commissioners (4/5) and support of the State of NC. Based on historical accounts it is not unreasonable to say that void of outside intimidation that we have the full support of both the TVA and NPS. There exists at least some likelihood that a settlement could be achieved in the immediate future.

The slogan “A Promise is a Promise” now belongs to the road proponents. They are the ones who have promised for these many years, that if we voted the way they said, elected their preferred candidates, that they would deliver. We did and they have not delivered and they have not shown they are capable of delivering. Second, it's not their promise. Their premise that the people of Swain County must take a back seat to their objectives and restrictions is backwards.

Their heritage is not for sale. Mine will not be hijacked. If the park wants to build them a heritage center, that's fine, but do not use any money directed towards the 1943 Agreement until Swain County is paid. The primary beneficiaries to the 1943 Agreement must be dealt with first.

The approach the road proponents have taken, the big stick approach, is a disaster. This has been attempted for 30 years with Jesse Helms and is now being continued through Charles Taylor. It ignores that we live in a democracy and that sustained long-term nationwide support is essential to their success. Moral bashing and banging all who disagree is short-sited. Such approaches make far too much of the population casualties of their efforts.

The Swain County Commission is the appropriate entity to represent the citizens of Swain County on the issue of the North Shore Road . First, the County, and not individual citizens of the County, was one of the four parties to the agreement giving rise to this entire controversy. Second, the Road was the key issue in the recent county commission election and the supporters of the settlement option clearly and soundly prevailed. Third, as the elected governing body of Swain County, the Commission's purpose is to represent the interest of the citizens of the County. Finally, the Department of Interior should give great weight to the prerogative of Swain County and invite the County to participate as a cooperating agency.

Following the election of both the Bryson City Council and the Swain County Commission, both entities adopted resolutions in support of a settlement in lieu of construction of a road in the GSMNP.

Recent elections in Bryson City also turned on this issue and also demonstrate that the City's citizens are firmly in support of payment in lieu of road construction. [Name omitted] (road supporting candidate) lost to [name omitted] (settlement supporting candidate) by 37% to 63% in the vote in an election where the road was the primary issue.

The [organization affiliation omitted] restates its opposition to the construction of the North Shore Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and urges the United States Congress to pass a “Swain County Settlement Act” - in lieu of any building of said road. The [organization affiliation omitted] urges the Office of the Governor and the NC General Assembly to formally confirm a position not to have said road built in order that water quality and in specific pristine trout waters not be degraded.

Not a native of here, lived here 37 years; know thousands of people here; dismayed that a few political leaders will not listen to the people. Before elections they say they are “for this” and even before election they plan to do otherwise, but do not tell it until election is over. Promise votes and do differently behind the scenes. The majority of the people in, say, one part or another but especially the Democratic party, because that's the majority. The insignificant people (the majority) are not listened to. Handful of leaders will vote and do the opposite of what the people want. Then the majority is not listened to.

[Name omitted] of the county commissioners in Swain County, ran and he won the election, and he went from door to door campaigning -- and I know this personally -- and his issue was, “We need the road, we need the road built, and if I'm elected, I will work toward the road.” As soon as the decent people of Swain County elected him this commissioner, he turned and he voted in a secret meeting to ask a monetary settlement, which was unfair. This issue has gone on since 1943. The ‘43 Agreement said that the road would be built when the World War was over. Someone needs to inform the federal government and the United States Park Service that the Second World War is over so that they can go on with building the North Shore Road. That's my statement.

First, millions of people across this country have had their property taken for public use, either for expressways, urban renewal projects, government buildings, etc. There is a case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court dealing with the powers of eminent domain resulting from a proposed project in New London, CT. No one wants to lose their homesteads to such actions, but most who do move on with their lives. We are a nation of people who, for various reasons, have moved on to other frontiers, other professions or work, other regions. The supporters of this road apparently have refused to do so and are making this issue one of emotion and self interest. Then, we have Congressman Taylor who has jumped on this bandwagon for political gain. A 60-year resentment over this road issue is not a rational argument for it, especially when the agreement which has fueled it is one full of contingencies. What must be kept in mind is that this Park, this national treasure, is not the exclusive concern of those whose relatives lost their property to advance a war effort. This Park belongs to the nation and all its people.