Full announcement from David Gantt's campaign:

David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission, declared his intent to seek re-election in 2012 today. Gantt is a local attorney who started his law office in 1981. He lives with his wife of 32 years, Charise Gantt, who is a pharmacist in Hendersonville, NC. The Gantts have 2 children who attended public schools in Buncombe County and both are now in graduate school.

Gantt believes the past term of the Commission has been a positive one for Buncombe County due to efforts to expand employment opportunities and create new jobs for residents. Gantt believes the Commission has created a fertile and positive business environment by:

Supporting positive business incentives that have brought jobs with good wages and benefits to our community.

Supporting a tight budget that has actually reduced County staff by over 200 employees in the past few years while increasing services and basic health coverage for all residents.

Providing local funding for city and county public schools to insure our children get an opportunity for the best education possible.

Implementing energy efficient construction in city and county schools, AB Tech, and Courthouse renovation and additions in downtown Asheville.

Crafting ordinances and laws that protect our steep slopes, ridge tops, mountain, working farms, Blue Ridge Parkway, and clean air and water.

Supporting measures that increase workforce/affordable housing for our community.

Supporting measures that have significantly reduced the County’s carbon footprint and energy consumption while increasing alternative energy options.

Gantt believes that the campaign will revolve around issues of jobs, education, environmental protection,and stewardship of public money. Under the new system of electing Commissioners, Gantt will run for Chairman county-wide, while the other 6 Commissioners will run by districts corresponding to the General Assembly House districts.