Of all the ongoing disappointments in my campaign for mayor of Sky Valley, the one that looms largest is the lack of accountability for taxpayer dollars. Not just here at home, but at every level of government.
Local government is where it starts, but that’s not where it ends.
At both the state and federal levels, two major grant applications for Sky Valley’s proposed septic-to-sewer project have sailed through with minimal corroboration.
Right now, the only thing standing between a $2 million federal grant and the City’s next steps appears to be the current federal government shutdown. That grant, from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), was leveraged with a $3 million state grant from the Georgia Environmental Financing Authority (GEFA). The GEFA grant was supposed to be used within one year of being awarded in 2021. The deadline was extended at the City’s request.
Yet here we are, in 2025, repurposing that GEFA grant as “matching funds” to chase even more money. The ARC grant required matching funds from the City.
According to its website, “ARC invests in Appalachia’s economic future by providing grants, publishing research, and sponsoring learning experiences — all to help Appalachia’s communities seize their opportunities, address economic disparity and advance prosperity.” Seriously? “Address economic disparity and advance prosperity” in Sky Valley, a community that largely consists of second homes? Surely there are counties in Appalachia with true economic disparity that could better use this “free” money?
As a fiscal conservative, I must ask: Where’s the accountability?
A Shifting Story
The numbers keep changing. The City’s ARC grant application describes a wastewater treatment facility with the capacity to treat up to 50,000 gallons per day. More recently, City officials revised to 30,000–40,000 gallons “initially.” The grant application said the project will “eliminate the need for private septic systems … will be located throughout City limits.”
There’s hyperbole about failed septic systems and polluted waters. Even how the lack of sewer has prevented a grocery store. That’s laughable. What grocery store succeeds on 600 customers? For $98 a year, Walmart will deliver your groceries to Sky Valley. That’s less than Amazon membership!
Local developers cited in the grant application, Mountain Modern LLC and Merrill Trust Group LLC, were described as committed partners in Sky Valley’s “economic development,” providing “letters of intent” promising a boutique hotel and 30,000 square feet of retail, and up to 60 jobs. Asked about that, City officials responded that they were encouraged by the agency that assisted in writing the application to say that to strengthen their narrative; that it doesn’t really mean that will happen.
I called it “whack-a-mole” at a recent candidate townhall. It seems some folks haven’t played that arcade game!
Who’s Representing the People?
I reached out to learn how to pause this process. At the state level, I was told the assumption is that elected officials act at the behest of the people they represent.
At the congressional level, I was told that once the state backs an ARC grant application, it’s basically a done deal.
That’s not accountability. That’s autopilot.
Moving Target?
I’ve also been told:
- Sewer systems are enterprise funds; that is, a revenue stream for local governments.
- The City didn’t authorize a needs assessment, only an economic feasibility study of the proposed septic-to-sewer project.
- $5 million won’t cover the true cost of the proposed system.
- Want to change it? Get elected.
Common Sense
Let’s be clear: I’m not running for mayor in order to kill the proposed sewer project. I’m running for accountability.
I am determined to pause this project until the City has conducted a true needs assessment. I want you to be assured it is necessary, not just “economically feasible.”
- Do we actually need this project?
- What do we need? Who REALLY needs it? Who stands to benefit?
- Have private property owners made every reasonable effort to repair or replace their challenged septic systems before the City attempts to burden taxpayers with irreversible obligations?
Sky Valley residents, voters and property owners deserve truth, transparency, and trust, I promise that as mayor, I will do all I can to ensure you have answers, not more questions. I promise clarity in communication and integrity in dealings. That’s just good governance.
Advance voting has begun. Election Day is November 4. Please vote. And when you do, I hope you’ll vote for Benita Cotton-Orr, and preserving Sky Valley’s heart and future.