As someone who worked on Capitol Hill, it disheartens me to see some of the same political ills of D.C. in our own Jackson County. Why does party matter at the local level? It shouldn’t! What matters is how our government functions. Local government should be open and transparent, good stewards of our tax dollars, and forward thinking as it plans for our future.

Since Ron Mau and Mickey Luker took office, Jackson County has created a one-stop shop for permitting and planning, expedited construction of a new animal shelter by several years, placed school resource officers (SROs) in all public schools, and initiated the largest increase to public school funding in eight years.

These men listened to Jackson County and said, “Let’s get things done! Let’s put aside our differences and deliver results.”

Ron Mau is willing to ask tough questions and propose new ideas. Take the health and human services consolidation, for example. In other North Carolina counties, consolidation has saved upwards of $20 million over 10 years. That’s over $2 million per year! Consolidation has also improved the ability to deliver services — such as fighting the opioid epidemic or cross-referring clients in need.

I’m not saying Jackson County has problems with either department. I — and Ron Mau — are saying increased efficiency enhances your service and allows you to spend money on more programs.

What if Jackson County saved $200,000 per year from consolidation? That can be reallocated to teacher pay raises, new patrol cars, purchasing more naloxone, expanded greenways, or any other great idea. Enhancing how Jackson County operates will allow the County to pursue new or better endeavors.

As a Smoky Mountain graduate and as a proud son, I urge Jackson County citizens to put people before politics and vote for Ron Mau.

Rusty Mau

Asheville