Ryan D. Croft

Occupation: Engineering consultant and graphic artist
Party affiliation: Republican
Political experience: WNC 912 Project Coordinator
Endorsements: "I did not pursue any. I spent my time meeting the fine folks of Asheville and refining my positions."

Ryan D. Croft

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

Total: $612.39
Top three: Kathie Lack, $100; Jerry Rutherford, $100; Buncombe County Republican Men's Club, $100

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

Yes. District elections will allow for a more balanced representation of the people of Asheville. They will also promote a deeper connection between elected officials and their constituents.

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

Property owners are the victims. Taggers are opportunistic and sly criminals. The city should not treat graffiti victims punitively. I will work closely with APD and catch these criminals. I will recommend party-to-party restitution and community service as basic correctives to apprehended taggers. Property owners will be protected.

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

We don't have a mechanism for domestic partners to gain legally binding cooperative status. Implementing these benefits without strong prerequisites will allow opportunists to game the system at the expense of the taxpayer. When we have civil unions working in N.C., the ability to implement these benefits will be possible.

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

Implement a zero-sum budget generation process eliminating "loose-end" waste. Restructure departments based on need-vs.-use examination. Deny the use of tax dollars as city selected charitable giving to non-profits. Activate energy conservation programs in city buildings and facilities. Delay or eliminate SMP-mandated programs and tax increases.

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

I don't want to implement any aspect of the DMP as it currently exists. The foundations, key metrics, and financial assumptions posited in the DMP were generated before the present crippling recession. The DMP is a system of taxes and limitations on business. It is a small business killing machine.

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

Bicycle safety and awareness programs abound. Building expensive infrastructure modifications is out-of-step with the majority of taxpayers. Don't be fooled. Useful bike infrastructure is a seven-figure affair. We need buses. I'm interested in pursuing energy and cost saving measures through careful management and technology upgrades.

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

Our festivals are an important part of our culture and economy. We need to provide preferential treatment to Asheville citizens and vendors. I have seen far too many out-of-state vendors raking in our profits. We need to encourage our folks to participate more and benefit from the opportunities.

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

I am my own man. I am an unhyphenated and proud American. I believe in Natural Law, individual liberty, and the power of free markets. I am an unabashed Christian, dedicated husband, and protective father. Please don't feel compelled to put me into a box. I will not go willingly.

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

I will never support it. It is unethical and thuggish. Shame on any government that seizes private property to pillage new revenues as a solution to budget shortfalls. This is America. We put a man on the moon. Surely we can solve our budget woes without lowering ourselves to criminal behavior.