Robert Knapp, Republican candidate for District 3, Buncombe County Commissioners

Posted on by Margaret Williams

Party: Republican
Slogan: None
Profession: Semiretired CPA
Residence: Asheville
Funding: “Self-funded. Have contributed $1,000 of my own money to set up the campaign account and will spend about $10,000 more.”
Endorsements: “There aren’t usually endorsements in a primary race, so I haven’t felt it prudent to ask for one. All five Republican candidates in District 3 are well-qualified.”

1. Do you favor A) creating a regional water authority, B) giving the existing system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District or C) leaving it under Asheville’s control? Why?
I favor selling (not giving) the water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District and changing its name to the WNC Regional Water System. It needs to be done to preclude Asheville from changing its mind again about rates, to the detriment of ratepayers and water users.

2. Do you support granting domestic-partner rights and/or benefits to Buncombe County employees? (Yes/No) Why?
I do not support granting domestic-partner rights to Buncombe County employees. Marriage in North Carolina is between one man and one woman. Very simple: no marriage, no benefits. I support Amendment One.

3. Do you favor offering tax breaks and other economic-development incentives to companies that agree to move here or expand existing facilities and hire local workers? (Yes/No) Why?
No tax breaks or incentives. Companies will come if regulations are favorable to business. Look at the $535 million wasted on Solyndra. Need I say more?

4. Do you think the county should make funding the Connect Buncombe greenways a high priority? (Yes/No) Why?
We have areas with no sidewalks, yet we continue to fund greenways and bikeways. Sidewalks first, bikeways second and greenways last. There is too much time and money spent being green.

5. What’s the most important role of county government in job creation?
Governments do not create jobs: The private sector creates jobs. The most important role government can play to help jobs is to reduce regulations, taxes and stifling rules.

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About Margaret Williams
Editor Margaret Williams first wrote for Xpress in 1994. An Alabama native, she has lived in Western North Carolina since 1987 and completed her Masters of Liberal Arts & Sciences from UNC-Asheville in 2016. Follow me @mvwilliams
View all posts by Margaret Williams →

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