An Open Letter to Governor Perdue

Dear Governor Perdue,

As a citizen of our great state, I am disappointed in your decision to not attend the events celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - the most visited national park in the United States.

This is a park that many North Carolina citizens worked hard to establish. Citizens like Horace Kephart and George Masa worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the area and ensure its stability and viability for future generations.

Ms. Perdue, the citizens of western North Carolina are taking your decision as a personal snub of the mountain region. For far too long the mountains have been treated as a place of second-class citizens. Your rationale that the travel expense would be too great doesn't hold any water with us. You have a western residence in Asheville. It is my plea that you will make use of it and represent our state at this event.