[Regarding “Buncombe to Preserve Branch Libraries,” Nov. 10, Xpress:] On matters of local government, I suggest that, for the love of God, local Powers-That-Be, stop underestimating us. Stop insulting our resourcefulness, our intellect, vision, talent and the ability to get things done.
Stop dishing money out to consultants living anywhere other than in North Carolina and preferably Western North Carolina. Make it easier for residents who aren’t able to attend your meetings to have input.
Why is the concept of utilizing our own expertise so incomprehensible to local government? They seem unable to restrain themselves when it comes to shipping our money out the door when we have plenty of resources right here.
— Holly Simms
Asheville
2 thoughts on “Letter: Stop underestimating the people”
Excellent letter and agree 100%. Every time I see another out-of-state consultant hired I think the same thing – how about utilizing someone local, or even better – utilizing the talents of the citizenry? I think the answer might be that the DIY approach is a lot more work & our leadership doesn’t have the time to do stuff like, um, actually work for the city. Much easier to just toss out money & wait for a proposal – actual value/fit be damned.
Agree 100%!!! Let’s stop supporting the companies that just happen to be owned by someone’s brother-in-law, mother, uncle, cousin, husband or whatever and support WNC instead.