Five Democrats vie to advance to general election for Buncombe sheriff

Buncombe County Democrats are picking their choice for a new sheriff in the primary election on May 8. The five Democratic candidates have differing takes on how to shape the next iteration of the office. And though they find common ground on topics from drugs to community engagement, competition is fierce as they vie for […]

It’s the Republican­s’ turn!

It is my understanding that the political party in power appoints its people to head boards, commissions, offices, etc. This is the first time in [many] years that the Republican Party has had this opportunity. This is an important obligation; but it appears some Republicans feel embarrassed by the need. Trena Parker has been director […]

Back to the future in North Carolina

Democrats controlled the N.C. Legislature for 140 years. Less than two years after Republicans took control of the North Carolina General Assembly, they skillfully managed to get a constitutional amendment passed, voiding all civil unions as well as guaranteeing [that] gay men and women in North Carolina have no equal protection under the law and […]

Bothwell, a Roosevelt Democrat

In the President’s State of the Union speech, he masterfully called America to rally to the vision of inclusiveness and fairness he has sought to implement through his presidency. Despite shrill Republican propaganda to the contrary, Obama has accomplished saving the country from complete financial meltdown, even over the unbridled and, at times, irrational opposition […]

Support Cecil!

Cecil Bothwell is running for U.S. Congress in Western Northern Carolina. He is looking to unseat the conservative pro-corporate Blue Dog Democrat Heath Shuler in the next Democratic Party primary to be held on May 8, 2012. This is a rare opportunity for the people of Western North Carolina to elect an honest and forward-thinking […]

Vote them out!

Now we know: The Republican Party and tea party, locally and nationally, have promulgated a draconian agenda of repressive and mean-spirited legislation that must not go unchallenged. Some examples of this agenda include voter ID, overriding Gov. Bev Perdue's veto of HB 854, restricting a woman's right to choose and eliminating numerous programs for the […]

Bring back the middle class

Thank you for publishing Martin Ramsey's wonderfully succinct and well-reasoned letter "No Borders" [July 20 Xpress]. Given the ever more polarized and vocal ravings, both locally and nationally, of the self-centered, greedy, ignorant, delusional and immature, and their championing of right wing “causes” that are utterly opposite to their own best interest (due in no […]

Kudos to Nelda Holder on home rule

Kudos to Nelda Holder for her column on home rule, pointing out how the N.C. Democratic Party is merely getting a taste of its own medicine [“You Say Po-tay-to,” June 22 Xpress]. Her departure from Mountain Xpress editorial power has been a huge loss. Home rule is a big part of the reason I left […]