Kathy Copley

A pillow in a gift shop in Boone says, "If you're lucky enough to live in the mountains, you're lucky enough."

We are indeed lucky, and I think we have a responsibility to protect our small part of these beautiful mountains. To me, that requires environmental awareness, financial prudence, enthusiastic citizen involvement, attention to detail, and a willingness to find common ground within a diverse community.

In Seven Devils, the seat of town government is just down the road. That means that each of us has a unique chance to be part of determining policies and priorities for the town. And a town as small as ours couldn't get along without dedicated volunteers - people who bring their years of success as business owners, engineers and architects, teachers and financial managers to name just a few of the skills residents have graciously brought to town committees.

Whether we're full-timers or part-timers, working or retired, North Carolina natives or recent discoverers of the High Country, we care about our quality of life -- the view out our windows, our property values, our safety, and our neighbors. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously.

I've served on various citizen committees since becoming involved with the town almost 10 years ago, and it has been a rewarding experience. I urge each of you to become involved in our community, as well.