Keeping Our Home Beautiful—Together
Anyone who lives here knows that Macon County is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. As your Commissioner, I will lead the charge to 'Cleanup Macon'—mobilizing neighbors and local groups to restore the pristine character of our county.
Macon County is defined by its landscapes—from the banks of the Little Tennessee River to the heights of the Highlands plateau. This natural beauty is our shared heritage and the engine of our local tourism economy. I believe we have a collective responsibility to ensure that our roadsides reflect the pride we take in our home.
The Challenge: A Growing Concern
Litter isn’t just an eyesore; it’s an economic and environmental problem:
- The Tourism Connection: Visitors come to Franklin and Highlands for our pristine views. When our scenic byways are cluttered with trash, it hurts our local businesses and property values.
- Environmental Health: Roadside waste eventually finds its way into our creeks and rivers, affecting our water quality and wildlife.
- Current Gaps: While the NCDOT “Litter Sweep” happens twice a year, our county needs a more consistent, year-round strategy to stay ahead of the problem.
The Plan: A “Clean Macon” Initiative
I will lead a coordinated effort to keep Macon County beautiful through three core strategies:
- Civic Partnerships: I will establish a formal county framework to support local civic groups, scouts, and church clubs in adopting stretches of road. We will provide the coordination and supplies needed to make volunteer cleanup safe and effective.
- Utilizing Community Service: We have a missed opportunity to turn community service hours into a public benefit. I will work with the local court system to prioritize roadside cleanup for those fulfilling service requirements.
- The “Keep It Local” Campaign: We will launch a public awareness campaign focused on “Tarp Your Load” education for those hauling to the landfill, preventing accidental litter before it hits the pavement.
“Our mountains shouldn’t be hidden behind a layer of roadside trash. By working together—neighbors, clubs, and county government—we can make sure Macon County remains the most beautiful place in North Carolina to live, work, and visit.”
— Russ Lunn