Ed. note: The subject of Our Smokies, Our Future and those who are against the process has been a topic we have reported on for some time. As the story continues to evolve, the Herald felt it would be best to publish a multi-part series in order to provide the community with in-depth coverage.

Pastor Rob Bremer said Longo’s silence is consent. (The Herald/ Archived Photo)

Even though Gianni Longo, the independent facilitator heading Our Smokies, Our Future, participated in an initial interview, when asked to directly respond to the concerns of Sevier County residents he became elusive and unresponsive.

In fact, the last reply received from Longo was, “I would like to see your first article before we get into the second set of questions. A great deal of what those questions ask is addressed in my first set of answers.”

The article in question was the last installment which was sent to Longo, posted online, and printed in the newspaper.

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