Swain County Board of Commission Chairman Kevin Seagle was absent at Tuesday night’s county commission meeting. Seagle sent a letter to the commission on Aug. 15 announcing his resignation.
“When I accepted the responsibility of serving as Chairman, my focus [was] on the betterment of Swain County - making sound decisions, fostering healthy debate, and working together toward policies that improve the lives of our residents. Unfortunately, the nature of our public discourse has shifted in recent months and years,” Seagle wrote.
He said that there have been “personal attacks, unfounded accusations, and efforts to damage private livelihoods” toward himself, as well as “fellow members of the Board, County Manager, employees, business/business owners and even residents/tourists.”
“Leadership requires an environment where ideas can be exchanged respectfully and decisions made based on facts and the greater good,” Seagle wrote. “When meetings are dominated by hostility, provocation, and personal agendas, it erodes the ability of the Board to serve effectively.”
Vice Chair Tanner Lawson conducted Tuesday’s meeting. During the public comment period, a few community members mentioned Seagle’s absence.
Gina Wiggins of Whittier spoke about an upcoming lake clean-up and then said she had heard rumors that Seagle or his family had been threatened. She called on community members to report threats to law enforcement.
“These people are here to serve us and to work for our community and for the betterment of our people. They are not here to be taken advantage of or threatened or any ugly thing. They are members of the community just like we are. I appreciate all of y’all for what you do for our community. Thank you,” Wiggins said.
Ed Mercer, who also spoke during the public comment period, said he was glad Seagle resigned.
“I love that empty seat to be honest. M’kay. I still don’t like the fact that you all stare at us and don’t answer us when we ask questions,” Mercer said.
At the end of the meeting, Lawson confirmed Seagle’s resignation and stated that the board was working to figure out next steps.
“We are working with the attorney and with the School of Government to make sure the process that we have to do is going to be right,” Lawson said. “At our next meeting we will talk about the process that needs to take place and all of that.”
Seagle’s resignation will be effective Aug. 31. The next county commissioner meeting is scheduled for Sept. 2.
Board of Election Director resigns for new position in Durham
Swain County Board of Elections Director Adam Byrnes announced his resignation on August 19.
Byrnes has been director since May 2023. The 23-year-old said he is moving to Durham County to become ballot processing and audit manager.
“I’m really excited to join the team in Durham County. I think they have a great group over there - and a great director. I’m happy to be taking this next step but of course sad to be leaving Swain. I've had a great time here,” Byrnes said.
Byrnes started his role in Bryson City just three weeks after he graduated from Emory University. His last day as director will be Aug. 29.
This summer, the Swain County Board of Elections moved to a new location. Byrnes said that this location is bigger, safer and has more parking.
The Board of Elections is now located in five rooms at the Swain County Business Education and Training Center at 45 East Ridge Dr., Bryson City. The new building officially opened on July 22.
The new Board of Elections location will be used for the upcoming municipal election. The municipal election will take place on Nov. 4, with Early Voting starting on Oct. 16 and ending on Nov. 1.
