The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $44 million in funding for Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools. The board also approved a rebate for Waste Pro, the property tax schedule and more…
Mis-enfranchised
Blood and ballots: African-Americans’ battle for the vote in WNC
“Unquestionably,” writes Judge Motz in the fourth circuits repeal of the voter ID law, “North Carolina has a long history of race discrimination generally and race-based vote suppression in particular.” Some argue this history remains largely unknown. Others argue voter fraud is the greater issue, not history.
Public hearing on property tax schedule draws two comments; commissioners move forward with selling $7.8 million in unused land
Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed tax schedule that drew two speakers. It also moved ahead with trying to sell five parcels of land, including 137-acres on Ferry Road; the one-time potential site of Deschutes Brewery’s expansion.
Mayor calls $74 million bond referendum catalyst for equity
Mayor Esther Manheimer delivered her State of Asheville speech on Tuesday, Oct. 4. It stressed the need for the city to foster equity before ultimately advocating for approval of $74 million in bond referendums to achieve equity goals.
The orange appeal
Asheville LGBTQ community to celebrate progress, call for change at Blue Ridge Pride Festival on Oct. 1
Author, transgender activist and newcomer to Asheville Tina Madison White reflects on the state of the Pride movement in 2016. White is the director of operations for Blue Ridge Pride Center, which will host its eighth annual Pride Festival Saturday, Oct. 1 in Pack Square Park in Asheville.
Commissioner candidates talk education, taxes and economic incentives
Buncombe County Commissioners sounded off on education, property tax revaluations and economic incentives during a forum hosted by Asheville Citizen-Times on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Commissioners give unified push for Big Ivy wilderness, set public hearing for proposed tax schedule
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved economic incentives, a resolution urging the federal government to designate Big Ivy as wilderness and set a public hearing for the proposed tax schedule during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Property tax revaluation schedule, economic incentives on county commission agenda
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the property tax revaluation schedule and economic incentives during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
News of the Weirdweek
In Photos: Donald Trump rally, protest
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Asheville on Monday, Sept. 12. Xpress captured the scene inside the rally and outside the U.S. Cellular Center. For more on voices from the rally check out Xpress‘ previous coverage.
Trump Train rolls into town; brings merchants, differing opinions
Donald Trump’s campaign stop in Asheville brought along an assorted mix of people. Xpress wandered the crowds and spoke with merchants, supporters and others about what brought them to Asheville for the rally.
UPDATED: Trump speaks to full house, protesters fill streets
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be in town Monday, Sept. 12, to hold a rally. Large crowds, along with potential protests, are expected throughout the day. The event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and Trump’s website shows tickets to the rally are no longer available. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made a […]
Locally published book analyzes Donald Trump in a context of societal narcissism
As November quickly approaches, discussion surrounding one of the most polarizing presidential elections in decades has intensified, from fervent whispers to a cacophonous roar of partisan rhetoric and armchair philosophizing. While voters differ passionately on the candidates’ respective platforms and personalities, there is one topic on which they all seem to agree: Donald Trump is […]
Fisher, Van Duyn rally for expansion of paid sick leave
A rally at Pritchard Park on Tuesday, Sept. 6, was aimed at raising awareness and support for hourly workers to have mandated paid time off. Buncombe County-based legislators Susan Fisher and Terry Van Duyn voiced support and said they will be introducing legislation to address the issue come January.
Party crashers: The fight for the right to N.C. ballot access
In an election year that has many people looking for more choices, come November three presidential candidates will be on North Carolina’s ballot. Xpress looks at what it takes to gain ballot access in the Tar Heel State.
GOP fails to find candidate, Turner presumptive winner
Democrat Brian Turner is the presumptive winner of November’s House District 116 election. Aug. 25 marked the final day for Buncombe County Republicans to select a candidate to run against him.
Too many candidates in the air
County commissioner candidates talk taxes, affordable housing
Candidates for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners laid out their thoughts on issues facing the county during a debate on Thursday, Aug. 25. Topics ranged from property tax rates to affordable housing.
Brian Turner likely to run unopposed in November
The Chair of the Buncombe County GOP says it’s unlikely they will name a replacement candidate for Kay Olsen who dropped out of the House District 116 race. If true, Democrat incumbent Brian Turner would run unopposed for a second term. Republicans have until Aug. 25 to name a replacement.