Fryar to replace Dunn on GOP commish ticket

After two-and-a-half hours of deliberation, the Buncombe County Republican Party’s Executive Committee last night chose auto dealer Mike Fryar, who placed last by a narrow margin in the May 6 primary, to replace Joe Dunn in the Board of Commissioners’ race.

A release from the party touts Fryar’s role in the bipartisan “Let Asheville Vote” campaign last year, which successfully put a referendum on partisan elections on the ballot, and highlights his opposition to zoning and involuntary annexation.

In the primary, Fryar finished last out of a field of six, narrowly behind retired engineer Steve Bledsoe. Dunn, a former Asheville City Council member, had been the top vote-getter in the primary, but announced on July 24 that he was dropping out of the race to spend more time with his family.

The Buncombe GOP then asked for applications, and received three: from Fryar, Bledsoe and Biltmore Forest precinct chair Victoria Wynn.

Fryar will join John Carroll, Don Yelton and Ron McKee, along with incumbent board Chair Nathan Ramsey in the race.

The full release from the Buncombe County GOP is below.

— David Forbes, staff writer

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Aug. 19, 2008

In a closed meeting on Monday night, the Buncombe County Republican Party Executive Committee chose a new candidate for County Commissioner, to replace Joe Dunn’s slot on the ballot. Mike Fryar will now be running on the Republican ticket along with John Carroll, Ron McKee, and Don Yelton.  Nathan Ramsey, currently serving as Commission Chairman, is also up for re-election.

Fryar is a lifelong Republican who has served on his neighborhood’s homeowners’ association board for the last seven years, during which time he served as president for three consecutive terms. He also played a major role in the “Let Asheville Vote” petition drive, which forced the Asheville City Council to put their decision to return to partisan elections to a referendum vote. He has been an outspoken critic of zoning, annexation, high taxes, and other issues at both the city and county level.

“I’ve always worked hard for the people of Buncombe County and I will continue to work hard to earn the public’s support,” Fryar said after the meeting. “I look forward to serving all the people of Buncombe County, regardless of political affiliation.”

The other Republican candidates were in attendance on Monday, all enthusiastically expressing support for the committee’s choice and pledging to work together with Fryar in order to bring principled, responsible government back to Buncombe County.

Dr. Timothy Johnson, Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party, was pleased with the outcome of the proceedings. “The energy in the room tonight tells me that we have exciting candidates and a winning ticket,” said Johnson. “Mike Fryar offers a wealth of knowledge about the needs of our community. I am confident his message will resonate with voters.”

Fryar will join the other county candidates in an already planned series of public events, which they are calling the “We Listen We Learn County Tour.”  The candidates will visit the communities of Leicester, Fairview, Swannanoa, West Asheville, Skyland, and North Asheville to give voters an opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns.

For more information on the Buncombe County Republican Party, visit http://www.buncombegop.org

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