Sevier County residents listen to an Our Smokies, Our Future facilitator at a recent meeting. (The Herald/Joe King)

After a string of community forums that have caused considerable controversy throughout Sevier County, skeptics of the self-described “visionary process” are speaking out in droves.

“The overall scheme of things is wonderful, but I feel there is an underlining agenda,” said Mel Canterbury after attending one of the Our Smokies, Our Future forums. “I do not appreciate the use of misconception.”

As stated by Stefanie Johnson, the coordinator for Our Smokies, Our Future, the goal of the group is to develop widespread consensus of issues designed to benefit the entire county.

However, Rob Bremer, the Chairman of the Sevier County Tea Party, agrees with Canterbury and sees a plot behind the intentions of the group.

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