In addition to the dizzying changes from redrawn district lines for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara announced she would not seek reelection, creating one incumbent-free race.
There are four candidates for running for that District 1, which includes eastern and southern Buncombe County — two Democrats and two Republicans. It’s the only primary contest for the county commission.
On the Democratic side, Matt Kern, a green home builder who lives in the Riceville area, ran for a commission seat in 2016, losing to Nancy Nehls Nelson in the primary. Jennifer Horton, a registered nurse who manages residential family and elder care homes across Buncombe County, is a newcomer to politics.
On the Republican side, Paul Benjamin, who lives in South Asheville, is a life coach, preacher and author who has not run or held office before. He’s running against Rondell Lance, a retired police officer who is in his 22nd year as president of the Asheville chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Police.
Incumbents Terri Wells, District 2, and Parker Sloan, District 3, are running unopposed in November’s general election. Amanda Edwards, who is running for Chair to replace Brownie Newman, may face former Sheriff Van Duncan in the general election. Duncan, who is unaffiliated, launched a petition campaign to get on the ballot.
Republican candidates
Paul Benjamin
Website: renewbuncombe.com/
Occupation: Minister, speaker and founder and president of Life Centers Global
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
How do you differentiate yourself from your primary component?
I have over 40 years of experience impacting and mentoring men, women and youth in various communities. I have coached mayors, city managers, police chiefs and pastoral leaders on how to impact their communities.
Do you think short-term rentals are adequately regulated in the county?
Government overreach can destroy the creative entrepreneurial drive of the citizens they are supposed to serve. We need a healthy balance in our laws and regulations.
What should the commission prioritize in the 2025 budget?
Crime prevention, intervention, treatment, and enforcement. Safety and security, law and order, reduce regulations. Infrastructure improvements and smart housing solutions to reduce taxes and mitigate homelessness. Address the school and prison issues in the county.
How should the county address affordable housing?
We are taxing families out of the market. Property appraisals are inflated to capitalize on the West Coast buyers entering the region with cash after selling their one-bedroom house for $600,000.
Does the county fairly appraise properties for tax purposes? Why or why not?
Appraisals are to benefit the government tax base. Higher appraisals equals more tax revenue for the government. Lower taxes will put more money back into family budgets for their children.
Rondell Lance did not respond to repeated requests for participation.
Democratic candidates
Jennifer Horton
Website: electjenniferhorton.com
Occupation: CEO Living Waters Enterprises, LLC
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
How do you differentiate yourself from your primary component?
I am competent, confident, and capable, with a proven ability to adapt, evolve, and grow. These qualities, coupled with my dedication to Buncombe County, differentiate me.
Differentiation qualities: Lifelong Buncombe County resident, resilience and triumph over adversity, comprehensive understanding of county services, hands-on community service, workforce re-entry and housing initiatives, mental health and healthcare awareness.
In summary, my unique background, unwavering commitment to community service, entrepreneurship, and deep connection to Buncombe County distinguish me as a candidate who truly understands the community’s needs. My experiences and perspective are poised to make a meaningful and lasting impact on Buncombe County’s future.
Do you think short-term rentals are adequately regulated in the county?
STRs are essential to our local economy and tourism industry. It is crucial to maintain a balance between allowing STRs to thrive and ensuring they are regulated to mitigate potential negative impacts on our communities. Assessing regularly and adjusting regulations to address challenges such as neighborhood impacts, housing availability, and taxation. A collaborative approach is essential to determine the adequacy of STR regulations. Considering diverse perspectives can develop effective regulations and support the STR industry. In essence, it is an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluations and adjustments to ensure fairness, balance, and compliance with our community’s changing dynamics.
What should the commission prioritize in the 2025 budget?
The priorities for the 2025 budget for Buncombe County should align with the needs and aspirations of our community. To ensure a prosperous and thriving county, I believe the commission should prioritize the following key areas: Education, mental health services, affordable housing, infrastructure, sustainable growth, public health, community engagement, economic development and environmental sustainability.
The 2025 budget should reflect our commitment to improving the quality of life for all the people in Buncombe County. Focusing on these priorities can add to a brighter, more inclusive and resilient future for our community.
How should the county address affordable housing?
Increase affordable housing stock, public-private partnerships, use of public lands incentives for homeownership tenant protections, affordable housing trust fund, affordable housing tax credits, preservation of existing affordable housing, transportation access and community engagement.
Do you think the county fairly appraises properties for tax purposes? Why or why not?
The fairness of property appraisals for tax purposes is a critical aspect of the local tax system, and is essential to maintain transparency and equity in this process. However, like any assessment system, there is always room for improvement.
Important elements: equity, trust in the tax system, areas for improvement, accuracy, transparency, community engagement, appeals process and regular reassessment. In summary, while the county’s property appraisal system may generally be fair, there are always areas for improvement to enhance accuracy, transparency, and community engagement. Continuous efforts to refine.
Matt Kern
Website: mattkernforcommission.com
Occupation: Green-home builder for M.C. Kern Contracting, Inc.
Previous candidacy or offices held: Candidate for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners in 2016
How do you differentiate yourself from your primary component?
Experience, leadership and community service. I’ve spent the last 25 years giving countless hours of my time coaching youth sports and serving on many diverse boards and commissions dealing with early childhood education, parks and greenways, school construction and higher education. I currently serve on the Public Schools Capitalization Board, the WNC Nature Center Board, the A-B Tech Foundation Board and the A-B Tech Board of Trustees where I am the past chair. I have established myself as a trusted problem solver over these many years.
If elected there won’t be a learning curve. I can contribute on day one.
Do you think short-term rentals are adequately regulated in the county?
To my knowledge, there is no regulation of STRs in the county. I feel that there needs to be a serious conversation about looking at some sort of regulation for STRs, specifically those owned by outside entities such as corporate interests and absentee owners who don’t consider the effects that STRs can have on a neighborhood and the sense of community.
What should the commission prioritize in the 2025 budget?
Affordable housing, education, forest and farmland protection, mental health and drug interdiction services and expanding EMS services.
How should the county address affordable housing?
This will require a multifaceted approach because there is no simple solution to this complex issue. First, continue to evaluate county-owned land for the purpose of building affordable housing such as the Ferry Road project. Second, create incentives for existing long-term landlords to accept housing vouchers. Third, look into incentives for STR owners to be long-term landlords. Fourth, figure out how to offer down-payment assistance for homebuyers, especially those in “missing middle.” I think these are a good start.
Do you think the county fairly appraises properties for tax purposes? Why or why not?
Probably not. I think the majority of homeowners’ tax bills are in line with their neighbors but there are documented cases where some folks pay too much, and others pay too little. We need a better system of evaluating what is a fair amount for everyone.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Feb. 16 to offer clarity on what “STR” stands for.
“How should the county address affordable housing?”
— perhaps stop waging war upon people who provide affordable housing; STOP violating their Natural Rights… or keep on doing so & continue witnessing the destruction of society.