— Hoke Parris County council chairman There's a campaign going on in this county of more than 50,000 people.

Lawn signs have popped up, ads have appeared in the local media and billboards now echo catchy slogans.

The signs, ads and billboards aren't part of a political campaign. But Tuesday, Dec. 2, has become just as important as any Tuesday in November for many county residents. Tuesday is when Waste Management delivers its long-awaited presentation to Cherokee County Council.

Waste Management must receive approval from a majority of the seven-member council before it can move forward with plans to construct a landfill and single stream recycling center on a 1,550-acre site in the McKowns Mountain community.

Cherokee County Council Chairman Hoke Parris said he expects a full house at the Cherokee County Courthouse on Tuesday.

"I think there will be a fairly big crowd," Parris said.

Like a political campaign, the controversial project seems to be on everyone's minds.

Organizers of "Cherokee Landfill Opposition United Together," or CLOUT, have characterized the project as an eyesore and public health hazard while a pro-Waste Management group, which calls itself Cherokee Advocates for a Strong Environment and Economy and goes by the acronym C.A.S.E., claims the project will be environmentally friendly and touts its economic impact.

Which group will leave the presentation happy?

Probably neither. While he's not ruling it out altogether, Parris said he doubts council will have a decisive vote on the issue Tuesday.

"I don't anticipate any vote but I won't say we won't," he said.

The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Parris said he expects Waste Management to take about 45 minutes to fully explain its plans.

He said council members will have the opportunity to ask follow-up questions, but he won't allow questions from the audience.

County residents both for and against the project have appeared at council meetings to express their opinions.