Buncombe County Commission­ers argue about, hear public input on HB2

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners slogged its way through a more than seven hour meeting while trading barbs en route to approving a resolution that reaffirms the county’s commitment to a workplace supportive of diversity, moving ahead with real estate revaluations, approving a Utility Energy Innovation Task Force and approving minutes from a contentious closed session in March, 2015. The Tuesday, April 5th, marathon meeting highlighted the ideological tension between commissioners and the public as the resolution about the county’s Personnel Ordinance became a proxy for the emotionally charged North Carolina House Bill 2 and showcased emotional pleas from both sides of the issue. Meantime, discussion about the joint task force became symbolic of the commissioners’ divisive thoughts on what constitutes transparent government.

Making history: Jasmine Beach-Ferrara to become first openly gay Buncombe County Commission­er

With her win in the District 1 Democratic primary, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is slated to become the first openly LGBT Buncombe County Commissioner. To get there, she had strong competition from City Councilman Gordon Smith and from another civil rights activist, Isaac Coleman. Since no Republican filed to run for the District 1 seat, Beach-Ferrara is almost certain to take office in the fall after the General Election.

Later today: Commission­ers deliberate on funding for YMCA, Mountain Mobility

County commissioners will convene today, Oct. 21, to consider two financial decisions related to county and city institutions. The first concerns the Buncombe County Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Western North Carolina, which is seeking financial assistance for various upgrades and improvement projects, by way of Wisconsin: The organization is seeking the proceeds of […]

Election results ***UPDATED 10:24 a.m.***

Despite President Barack Obama carrying Buncombe County and winning re-election nationwide, Republicans made gains in tonight’s local elections, winning all the competitive congressional and Statehouse races, while control of the Buncombe County commissioners is possibly headed for a recount. Mark Meadows greets supporters at the Hilton on Long Shoals Road. (Photo by Bill Rhodes)

LIVE: Twitter coverage of the League of Women Voters’ Oct. 1 forum

Follow live Twitter coverage of the Asheville-Buncombe League of Women Voters’ forum here, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This forum focuses on the 114th House District (where Rep. Susan Fisher is running unopposed), and the 1st Buncombe County Board of Commissioners District (where Democrats Holly Jones and Brownie Newman are running against Republican Don Guge).