Nub and Estep Make News in Different Ways
I suppose if lived anywhere but Avery County these days, I would be going through political withdrawal by now. We’re waiting until Thursday to find out when we’re going to have our next set of elections, so everything has kind of been on hold these past couple of weeks. However, that doesn’t mean that nothing has been going on in the political realm.
After all, Nub got to make his bi-monthly appearance on the front page denouncing all those who dare to criticize him, which, admittedly, is a lot cheaper than buying an ad in the paper. Of course, I can’t complain, nothing sells papers like having Nub Taylor on the front; even if he is criticizing my paper in the course of his epistle.
Speaking of which, the mysterious placement of the Nub announcement story right above the story about his brother was pure chance. We have layout rules to go by (yes, there are rules you are supposed to follow when laying out a front page that apparently some people in town are not aware of), and that layout fell under these rules. We had art to go with the stories on the other side, and that was how it had to go. Sorry if it looked suspicious.
Speaking of suspicious, Newland has a new police chief. Not that Mike Estep is suspicious, in fact, he has for years been one of the only people in Avery County that I trust. Newland should be proud to have him as its new chief. I’m sure he would have preferred to ascend into the postion under different circumstances, however.
The Town is all abuzz with the reasons for the change. As of Tuesday morning when I’m writing this, I don’t have them. Personnel discussions are held in closed session. This decision was made in a hastily-called meeting last Thursday night. Perhaps more reasons were made public at the meeting that will be held tonight (how’s that for confusing? I don’t know as I write this, but I might know by the time you’re reading it). Let’s make this easier, check the front page, which is laid out later than this page, and see if I found out anything on Tuesday afternoon. That ought to teach you people to read the front instead of turning right to this page to see what kind of goo I’m spewing.
Just to make it more confusing, let me take this opportunity to make my comments in both directions over what will or will not happen tonight.
If the Town didn’t tell me anything about why these officers were dismissed: Shame on you Town! The people deserve to know about the people that are serving them.
If the Town did tell me what happened: Way to go Newland! The people have elected wise and fair representatives. Democracy works and all is right on this side of the mountain.
Okay, with all that said, as you read this, we may or may not be finding out when the elections are going to be. If we do know: Thank goodness! Now I can write a column condemning the bad and praising the good, and everybody can get ready for an exciting season. If we still don’t know: Well, I guess my column will be even more (or perhaps less) confusing next week and for weeks to come.
Oh, and congratulations Terps, they did win right?
