Jackson County Sheriff Jimmy Ashe was relieved of his duty of “approving suitability and providing a local government opinion of applicants for alcohol permits.” Ashe reportedly angered local media outlets by taking his sweet time with his portion of the bureaucratic processing, and withholding his approval for some applicants. It appeared Ashe was overstepping his powers to preserve the dry culture that was recently outvoted. Ashe defended his obstructionism, stating:
The voters of Jackson County have spoken. It falls to each and every one of us to assure that we transition our community in a way that is respectful of the rights of all citizens. Simultaneously we must preserve the safety and well being of the public as a whole.
Ashe speaks as if alcohol sales were somehow correlated with crime. One business that did not get his stamp of approval was located near Western Carolina University. The Sylva Herald paraphrased parts of Ashe’s justification for his decision:
The 10,000 student university had already experienced an increase in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents, underage drinking, alcohol poisoning, alcohol related sex offense, and deaths; and . . . the center is within walking distance of the school.
Ashe made news recently for arguing he needed about eight more officers to patrol the county when it got wet. Besides a perceived increase in crime, Ashe needed staff for another reason:
If these permits are processed correctly it requires not only criminal background checks but going to the communities and observing the location of the buildings and speaking to the members of that community to ensure that the general statutes are being complied with.
It was recommended that the county planner, Gerald Green, have the honors. In a previous report, Ashe purportedly said he was fine being relieved of the duty.
