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About Virginia Daffron
Managing editor, lover of mountains, native of WNC. Follow me @virginiadaffron

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24 thoughts on “Asheville launches new online platform for public engagement

  1. Grant Milin

    1. ?

    2. Citizens can request that COA add thier citizen issues and it costs $28,500 to start a ‘Peak Democracy’ account.

    3. ?

    • Lulz

      Better yet, who’s this “peak hot air democracy but really elitist totalitarianism” in bed with among the establishment?

  2. boatrocker

    Sweeeet!

    A social media driven website with no vested interest in our lives limited to one comment as those awful bullies sometimes use facts?
    Finally the city of Asheville can ignore anti Mammonite driven development comments in favor of
    “yay omg more breweries, overpriced hotels and crushing the poors beneath the wheels of making us, like Chaaaaaaaarlotte- yolo!”

    How objective!

    Sign me up!

    Here’s my one comment-

    A thin coat of veneer.

  3. Grant Milin

    Thanks for doing the graphic, MX. The lack of true renter inclusion is incredibly powerful in a town supposedly about listening to diverse stakeholders.

    Renters have yet to be invited into city processes by leadership.

    • Virginia Daffron

      Grant, if an awareness of the renter’s perspective does become one that city government remembers to consider, that will be largely the result of your advocacy.

      • Grant Milin

        I have no role in COA civic engagement strategy, Virginia. That’s all up to the Mayor, city council and Gary Jackson. I have actually met with Mayor Manheimer and Gary covering civic engagement strategy. These folks have their own very strong perspectives on these matters.

        Also, although renters make up half the population in Asheville now, half the media outlet products are not renter focused. Sorry to say.

        But you may be saying the above as a compliment rather than with sarcasm. Mostly what I see from the city hall people is a ton of DDDS (Dismissive, Deflective, and Defensive Syndrome) when it comes to things like how many renters sit on all the COA boards and commissions. I’m over it in any case, but renter folks should form a Renters United co-op.

        • Virginia Daffron

          You are right, Grant: I did mean it as a compliment. Though it’s just an opinion, I think your advocacy on this issue has had the effect of bringing greater attention to it. Although you say you are over it, I think that bringing light to that group of Asheville residents has been a positive contribution.

          • Grant Milin

            Thank you, Virginia. You and Max are good solutions journalists.

            The DDDS from the city hall people hurts. I’m just a renter in need of solutions too in the end though.

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