Robert W. Edwards

Occupation: night auditor at hotel
Party affiliation: Republican
Political experience: none
Endorsements: none listed

Robert W. Edwards

1) How much money have you raised for your campaign? Who are your top three donors, and how much has each contributed?

I have not collected much financial support because I have not asked for it; I will not attempt to buy my seat as mayor. The Buncombe County Republican Women's Club donated $22 and Jason Lee of the 9-12 Asheville donated $10. $32 raised, $0 spent.

2) Do you favor district elections for Council members? Why or why not?

I am vaguely familiar with this issue, and I do not see the need to further complicate and restrict the system. This would be very useful to combat abuses (which I may not yet be aware of) like all of the candidates originating from Biltmore Park.

3) What steps, if any, should the city take to deal with graffiti?

I commend the new Community Policing initiative with the new eight-man squad downtown. I see this as a first step in becoming less reactive and more proactive in urban response. I will pursue programs to modernize our law enforcement. It's one area that desperately needs more funding.

4) Do you support the implementation of domestic-partner benefits for city employees? Why or why not?

This is discriminatory only allowing for city employees or is misleading via Hegelian dialectic and gradualism. If couples want the benefits, they need the paperwork; this or civil union is reserved for loving couples who seek the benefits they deserve, and is separate from a family making child adoption impossible.

5) Given the city's current and likely upcoming budget shortfalls, how would you make ends meet?

The more I learn of the city budget, the more I believe it requires a complete re-prioritization. I am appalled at the massive amounts of taxpayer dollars being spent on special interests while the only budget cuts are in education and police departments.

6) Which key elements of the Downtown Master Plan, if any, do you want to see implemented in the next year?

I am still learning about the Downtown Master plan and all it encompasses. My campaign is different because I don't have predispositions and biases about what I want to do. I plan to interview and listen to those who will be affected by this. Comments and suggestions welcome at Edwards@politician.com.

7) What measures, if any, do you support to promote bicycle and mass transit?

I believe bike lanes are needed more than our new buses. I am still researching our bus system. Privatization could be the best prospect. More lanes are needed for scooters, bikes and smaller motorcycles, which are becoming more and more common as gas prices rise.

8) How much of a role, compared to its current one, should the city play in putting on festivals?

Government is responsible for providing the functions that private interests can't. I think the city needs to assist in large festivals where private businesses would have conflicts. I would like to see downtown businesses take a more active role in festivals and seasonal decorations.

9) Which sitting member of City Council are you most like politically, and which do you differ the most with?

If I can be a fraction of the guardian to taxpayers' money and sustain the pragmatic objectivity Carl Mumpower brings to Council, I would consider myself a success. Council (bar Carl) and County Commission votes go unanimous which is disturbing, because the constituents these people represent don't always agree.

10) What should Asheville's policy be regarding forced annexation of surrounding areas?

Forced annexation is a money- and power-hungry local government seizing rights from landowners in an attempt to prop up their own irresponsibility. If the people desire the city and the services it provides, let them willingly ask for it. I compare forced annexation to a sex crime.