Environmental initiatives top the agenda for Buncombe County Commissioners in today’s Sept. 13 meeting. Follow Xpress reporter on Twitter (@jakefrankel or #bcgov) for live dispatches.
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Locals against constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage gather for “Vigil for Equality”
Buncombe Commissioners preview: Green initiatives and ROAP funds
During their Sept. 13 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will be presented with several reports on its environmental initiatives. The Commissioners will also hold a public hearing on a Rural Operating Assistance Program application.
More twists for gay marriage ban legislation
The proposed defense-of-marriage amendment to the N.C. Constitution took on yet another persona today when the Senate passed SB 514, formerly known as the Nutrient Management Plan.
Supporters launch campaign to pass A-B Tech sales-tax referendum *Multimedia*
A-B Tech administrators, teachers and students joined with community leaders Sept. 12 to launch “Jobs for the Future,” a campaign on behalf of a 0.25 percent sales-tax increase to fund capital improvements at the school. Photos by Jerry Nelson
Asheville City Council preview: Food trucks, round 2
After a lengthy public debate and close vote at the last formal Asheville City Council meeting, new rules allowing food trucks downtown narrowly passed. However, since a second vote is required when a development change that passes that closely, the rules are back for another reading at the Sept. 13 meeting.
New defense-of-marriage proposal still discriminates, says Fisher
A new version of a proposed defense-of-marriage amendment to the North Carolina Constitution is slated for consideration today, Sept. 12, as the General Assembly reconvenes, but its text is judged as “no less discriminatory” by Buncombe County Democratic Rep. Susan Fisher.
Local Matters: Russell drops from City race, poverty legal aid and Asheville as a “cesspool of sin”
In this edition of Local Matters — the Xpress weekly news podcast — reporter David Forbes talks about City Council member Bill Russell dropping out of his bid for re-election, Pisgah Legal Services efforts to increase access to legal help for the poor, and the recent claim by NC State Sen. James Forrester that Asheville is a “cesspool of sin.”
Bill Russell withdraws from Asheville City Council race
Asheville City Council member Bill Russell has withdrawn from the race. Russell, in a statement released on the Scrutiny Hooligans political blog, wrote that “there would be no greater regret for me than if I was not there fully for my kids with my time and energy as they move through these most important years of their lives.”
A few questions about government
Do you feel that your government, from the local level, all the way to Raleigh and Washington, D.C., has your best interests at heart? Do you feel that they spend your money in a completely open and honest manner, with accountability for each decision and every dollar? Do you feel that they run for election […]
Paying the piper
Council approves $2.2 million in Linamar incentives
Buncombe County’s removal of newspaper boxes may violate First Amendment
Last week, Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene‘s office ordered the removal of 17 newspaper boxes in front of the courthouse, claiming they were unsightly. The move, according to North Carolina Press Association attorney Amanda Martin, was illegal and violates First Amendment protections on newspaper racks on public property.
The newspaper boxes after their removal. Photos by Jeff Tallman
You say po-tay-to and I say po-tah-to
If North Carolina were a home-rule state, the conventional wisdom goes, then the Legislature might keep its hands off local issues and actions.
Balancing act?
Depending on whom you ask, a recent change to Buncombe County's election law is either a blatantly partisan Republican dictate from Raleigh or a much-needed adjustment to restore balance and fairness to local government after an unduly long period of Democratic rule. Ratified by the state Legislature May 19 after House and Senate votes that […]
The Beat: Campaign season heats up
A look at the latest news from the campaign trail: Nesbitt takes aim at socialistic terrorism; Shuler and Miller try to paint themselves as Washington outsiders; Keever gets jump on claiming State House seat; and Buncombe sheriff’s candidates face off.
Water torture
Mere months before the many-headed Hydra that is the Regional Water Agreement is scheduled to expire, the central questions remain: Will Asheville and Buncombe County negotiate a settlement tying up all the loose ends? Will their lawyers wind up duking it out in court? Or will the General Assembly, like some legislative deus ex machina, […]