Kudos to Grant Millin for daring to step up to the curb regarding noise pollution in WNC [in last week's commentary, "The Motorcycle Community Needs a Tuneup"]. When I was 16, it was a thrill to roar through London on vintage British motorcycles with an intimidating band of leather-clad "rockers." That was 30 years ago […]

Years ago, when I was dating a man who was a paraplegic and in a wheelchair but could drive, I became incensed when a nondisabled person took a handicapped-parking spot. My sweetie laughed and laughed and said, "It happens all the time, and you learn to let it go." Now, almost 35 years later, I […]

I am writing in support of [Asheville City Council member and write-in candidate] Robin Cape. As a resident of public housing, I am acutely aware of how deeply decisions made by the City Council can steamroll us. Cape was in Pisgah View Apartments talking to me about creating a business to give to this community. […]

Cecil Bothwell is a candidate for the times. As the post-peak fossil-fuel era unfolds, we need leaders with the vision to implement alternative solutions for our energy future. Cecil is one of those leaders. His campaign has concentrated on the issues of a green and sustainable economy, fair wages, affordable housing, multimodal transit and domestic-partner […]

I first became aware of Cecil Bothwell about 11 years ago when he was writer and editor at the Mountain Xpress. I respected his knowledge [and] fair-handedness about issues, and realized he also had some breadth when he wrote articles about gardening and cooking. As I've gotten to know him through various community events, I […]

If America is truly a democracy, then why are our elected representatives going against the will of the people in the matters of health care and drug concerns? It cannot be denied that a majority of American citizens prefer to strengthen our free-market system and include a not-for-profit healthcare plan administered by our government called […]

Elections for City Council and for mayor are right around the corner; early voting for the primary has already started! Cecil Bothwell gets my vote. He is not your typical politician in that he is humble, he listens and he is beholden to no one. That means he owes nobody any favors and can devote […]

We have a wealth of highly qualified candidates running in this year's City Council election. I strongly endorse Gordon Smith because he is a man of integrity, whose love for our community is matched only by his understanding of the issues that impact our city. I've known Gordon since 2005. He tackles new projects with […]

I'm writing to encourage folks to vote for Cecil Bothwell for City Council. I've watched Cecil organize for this election by using resources wisely. I know he is for green energy, green building and improving transportation in Asheville. Cecil has followed the issues, has a lot to contribute and will be an asset. Thank you. […]

I'm quite bothered by candidate Terry Bellamy's implication that the city of Asheville might not have the ability to grant domestic-partner benefits under North Carolina law. If this is the case, then the city should respond by canceling all family benefits and paying employees additional cash (retaining the same budget limits). Not only would such […]

I'm a guy. My socks don't often match, my shirts need ironing and I probably drink too much beer — but I work hard and provide for my kids. I also bench-press more than own body weight and always choose the hottest available hot sauce. When it comes to politicians, I'm typically pretty skeptical of […]

I have heard a lot of bike riders whine about cars entering their personal space while they bike the Tour de Asheville. Let me give another perspective. I was driving down Haywood Street when I approached a bike rider, in all his "Tour de France wear," in front of me. I passed him, giving a […]

I completely agree with and support Daniel Africk in his personal choice to not wear footwear. His letter ["The health department is OK with bare feet; why isn't Asheville?" Sept 23] seemed to cover all the bases, so he's obviously done his homework. I wrote a similar letter to Mountain Xpress myself in 2007, and […]

I have attended state fairs all my life and can't seem to understand why, here in the mountains in the last few years, we have had goofy mascots for publicity. I am talking about the hog riding a motorcycle and the duck this year. We might attract more people without getting so corny and even […]

Since his relocation by FEMA from New Orleans to Asheville two-and-a-half years ago, Earl Grey has been trying to eke out a living on the streets downtown. Perhaps you know him. People call him "Happy." There was an article about him in the September Laurel of Asheville. I understand the Asheville Police have been trying […]

I take exception to the sentiment expressed in your Sept.16 "Letters" section by the LaRiviere's (Michel & Terry) of Black Mountain. I find it ironic that they fancy themselves as "free thinkers," yet they are inclined to refer to someone who possesses a difference of opinion as "stupid." They are certainly entitled to their opinion […]