District 1, Buncombe County Board of Commission­ers: Beach-Ferrera running unopposed

Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is running unopposed. Read her thoughts on zoning, HB2, the economy, body camera footage and more below. You can also view her campaign finance report here. There are two ways to view Xpress’ Q&A with the candidates: Either click the candidate’s picture to see a text version of their answers or click […]

Register of Deeds: Cothran vs. Reisinger

Incumbent Democrat Drew Reisinger faces Republican challenger Pat Cothran. Read their thoughts on archive preservation, modernization, if the post should be political and more. There are two ways to view Xpress’ Q&A with the candidates: Either click the candidates’ picture to see a text version of their answers or click the grid below. The text […]

District 3, Buncombe County Board of Commission­ers (short-term): Pressley vs. King

This two-year term was created by the resignation of Miranda DeBruhl earlier this year. Republican Robert Pressley faces Democrat David King. Read their thoughts on zoning, HB2, the economy, body camera footage and more. You can also view campaign finance reports from King and Pressley here. There are two ways to view Xpress’ Q&A with the […]

District 3, Buncombe County Board of Commission­ers: Belcher vs. Hay

Republican incumbent Joe Belcher faces Democratic challenger Ed Hay. Read their thoughts on zoning, HB2, the economy, body camera footage and more. You can also view campaign finance reports from Hay and Belcher here. There are two ways to view Xpress’ Q&A with the candidates: Either click the candidates’ picture to see a text version […]

District 2, Buncombe County Board of Commission­ers: Fryar vs. Nehls Nelson

Republican incumbent Mike Fryar faces Democratic challenger Nancy Nehls Nelson. Read their thoughts on zoning, HB2, the economy, body camera footage and more. You can also view campaign finance reports from Nehls Nelson and Fryar here. There are two ways to view Xpress’ Q&A with the candidates: Either click the candidates’ picture to see a […]

INVESTMENT IN THE RIVERBANK: Woodfin Riverside Park is an existing part of what may someday be a sizable greenway connecting a system of parks and other green spaces along a transportation vein throughout the county.

Big project, big debt: Woodfin voters to decide future of greenway project with higher taxes in the balance

The question that may surprise and even confuse some Woodfin residents as they dutifully mark their ballots is: Should the 6,300 residents of the town of Woodfin take on an additional $4.5 million in debt to pay for a greenway, parks and other public works projects along the stretch of the French Broad that flows through […]

UPDATED: Spending takes off in Buncombe commission­er races; Chair candidates loan campaigns big bucks

The two candidates for Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners have loaned their campaigns a combined total of $272,000. Democrat Brownie Newman loaned his campaign $42,000 and Republican Chuck Archerd loaned himself $230,000 according to the candidates’ campaign finance reports.

Asheville leaders and organizati­ons weigh in on bond choice

City-sponsored early polling indicated that a solid majority of Asheville voters say they will vote for the proposed $74 million city bond referendum on this year’s general election ballots, and far more local groups and organizations have lined up to support the bond than to criticize it. As with any issue, however, opinion is mixed.

Asheville’s bond fears: The legacy of a financial nightmare

Has Asheville recovered from the trauma of its municipal debt crisis, which spanned the years between 1930 and 1976? The debt had a profound impact on Asheville’s development, its cityscape and, lastingly, its appetite for municipal debt. This year’s $74 million bond referendum will put the city’s confidence to the test when it asks voters to choose whether it’s time for the city to borrow again to finance growth.