Hoping memories last until next election
At least the rich got a tax cut
Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251 AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville. 828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years. Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. BLUE RIDGE BBQ COMPANY 180 N. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.7524. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. FridaySaturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Blue Ridge BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant. The BBQ is slow hardwood smoked, marinated in its own juices, and seasoned with mountain recipes. All menu items made from scratch daily. Featuring homemade cornbread salad, fresh collard greens, or cornbread and milk at your request. Old-fashioned homemade banana pudding and fruit cobbler of the season. Catering, take-out, eat-in. blueridgebbq@gmail.com.
BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. BOGART’S 35 East Main St., Sylva. 828.586.6532. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Serving classic American food and drink in a casual environment. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Children’s menu available. Call for catering quotes. Private room available for large parties. Accepts MC/Visa, Discover and American Express. BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Now open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.
205-07
ITALIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD SANDWICHES OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK JOIN US FOR FALL ON THE OUTDOOR PATIO!
1863 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98
205-76
• Hors d'oeuvre Hour Nightly • 4-Course Dinner Nightly • Wednesday Gourmet Picnic Lunch • Thursday Night Cookout • Sunday Brunch • Backpack Lunches for Hiking
Smoky Mountain News
To the Editor: Congratulation, the Republican legislature just gave everyone in the state a tax cut. Well, maybe not, just those whose income is over $84,000. If your income is over $400,000, your tax cut may be as much as $10,000. More great news if you are a major corporation, you tax rate was cut substantially. Of course, if you are a small business, you probably will see your overall tax bill go up. In fact, two out of every three dollars in tax cuts dollars will go to the top 1 percent of North Carolina’s wealthiest citizens. But 80 percent of North Carolina citizens will pay more in taxes under this new budget. In essence, the Republicans have replaced a progressive income tax system with a flat tax. A flat tax, by its nature, is a very regressive tax. In simple terms the wealthy pay less and the lower and middle class pay more in taxes as a percentage of their income. In case their intention was not clear enough, they eliminated significant tax credits and exemptions that primarily impacted those in the lower income levels. Here are just two examples: the Republicans eliminated the Earned Income Tax Credit that was implemented to help low-wage workers. Their taxes will now go up significantly. Retirees will lose both a $4,000 deduction for government retirement income and a $2,000 deduction for private retirement income. But the wealthy still get a $1,500 cap on sales tax for their corporate jet or new yacht. When asked why this change in the tax code, one answer given is that it will be fairer. Is it fairer to the 80 percent who will pay more? But the reason most often cited is that this business-friendly budget will bring in new business, create jobs and stimulate the economy. No matter how much Tea Party types advocate this discredited policy, study after study has proven that more money given to the wealthy in tax cuts does not mean more money in your pocket. CEOs say they are looking for world-class schools, a robust health care system, strong middle-class economics, modern infrastructure, and a culture that promotes upward mobility, not one that creates a permanent under class. The real losers in this budget are the citizens of North Carolina. The General Assembly’s own Fiscal Research Division estimates this budget will cost the state at least $1 billion a year when the changes take effect. If the Tea Party Republicans are out to destroy state government, this is a good start. Louis Vitale Franklin
tasteTHEmountains
September 11-17, 2013
To the Editor: In a recent letter titled “New laws bring advantages to N.C. citizens,” the writer stated “It’s time to speak the truth about the gains made by the N.C. legislature in its 2013 session.” While most of the facts stated are true, the writer didn't tell the whole truth! The rest of the truth follows in the areas addressed by the writer. Education: it is true that the appropriation is $361 million more than the previous year, but it is $120 million less than what the state budget office said was necessary to maintain education at the 2012 level. The rest of the education story: $10 million in public funds were allocated for private school vouchers; 5,200 teaching positions lost and 4,580 teacher assistant positions cut in the new budget; starting salary for N.C. teachers is $30,800 which is less than $15 per hour; 2,400 at-risk children are cut from pre. How do these budget realities bring advantages to the state's students and teachers? Election process: early voting reduced by seven days even though 56 percent of voters used it in 2012; no same day registration, no straight ticket voting; 25 percent increase in contribution limits on what private donors can give candidates; ID requirement means that 318,000 registered voters that do not have a driver's license or state-issued ID will have to get one — even IDs issued by state-supported colleges and universities will not be accepted. “Free” IDs will cost taxpayers $834,200 in 20132014 and $24,100 every two years after that. Out of almost seven million votes cast in the last election, only 121 were referred to the proper authorities for investigation. No doubt these were cast by both parties. Does any of this give an advantage to N.C. voters? Tax Reform: 170,000 workers will lose benefits; 907,000 low-wage workers will have a tax increase because the Earned Income Tax Credit is ending (64,000 military families claimed this credit in 2011); millionaires will get an average tax cut of $10,000 while 80 percent of taxpayers will get an increase; $50 million a year lost by cutting out the estate tax. Individual Rights: are the rights of women really being protected? The writer states that Medicaid will be “more patient oriented and fiscally responsible.” How so when 500,000 low-income adults will be without health insurance because legislators voted against participating in the Affordable Care Act? What advantage is there is allowing guns at schools and in bars? Will this make anyone safer? The writer concludes by saying “Fair thinking voters will see that they made the correct choice in electing a majority Republican legislature.” I suggest that a
majority of voters will see that the “advantages” the writer identifies are in fact disadvantages for the majority of us and will vote accordingly in the future. Linda Fulk Sylva
opinion
March on Washington. We were featured in a Rachael Maddow show broadcast live from North Carolina. With this national publicity just imagine which corporations will wish to relocate here! N.C. voters preferring 21st century values over “the good old days” must overcome voter restrictions and elect new legislators in 2014. Margery Abel Franklin
Award-winning country inn at 5,000 feet Reservations required
2300 SWAG ROAD WAYNESVILLE
828.926.0430 • TheSwag.com
Bring your own wine and spirits. LOCATED OFF JONATHAN CREEK RD/HWY 276 & HEMPHILL RD 205-35
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