For the benefit of all Polk County citizens, the Appearance Commission would like to ask any sitting commissioner or candidate for county commissioner for their recommendations to help us achieve our goals for a clean, beautiful, and inviting Polk County.

I know we all feel blessed to live in such a uniquely beautiful and charming area and we all have a responsibility to maintain this beauty that surrounds us. There are many possible economic opportunities that will be beneficial for all, but we have to remain attractive to any newcomers looking for a retirement home or future businesses considering relocating to our county.

Additionally, if we have growth, we have an obligation to balance this growth so that it is not detrimental to the natural beauty we are surrounded by. I am convinced that there are ways to accomplish both, and that both are dependent on each other.

Please take a few minutes to review and respond to the questions listed below. The Appearance Commission looks forward to your feedback. Any responses will be published at a later date (after the primary) in the Tryon Daily Bulletin in a future Appearance Matters column. Please send responses to davidfriday@msn.com.

•  Do you agree that appearance is important to our county’s future?

• What appearance concerns to do you feel should be looked at immediately?
• What issues do you consider most important to improve the appearance of our county?

• What areas do you feel should be considered for conservation in Polk County?

• Would you address these issues in future county commissioner meetings?

• What public policies do you think are most helpful for our goals for a clean, beautiful, and inviting environment?

• What types of public art do you feel would be the most beneficial and appreciated in our county?

• Do you agree that our most important entryways into the county remain litter free?

• How can more funds be allocated to address issues of litter, way finding signage and landscaping?

Contact the Polk County Appearance Commission at P.O. Box 308, Columbus, NC 28722, call 828-894-2324, visit beautifulfoothills.org, or email me at davidfriday@msn.com.

-Submitted by David Friday