Nov. 7 is your chance to take a stand for our city. Re-elect Cecil Bothwell for City Council.
His record from the past eight years of serving proves that he is accessible to residents, researches issues, uses facts to make informed votes for our city and residents, and does not back down from taking a stand. The positions that Cecil takes are based on his determination to be a voice for residents and our quality of life.
Cecil is a neighbor, an environmental activist, a hands-on volunteer in our community and true public servant.
He is in favor of legalizing accessory dwelling units [for use as homestay rentals] for residents who meet the criteria. He does not support whole-house short-term rentals.
Cecil supports increased public transit. This allows folks who cannot afford to live in the city limits a way to commute to work easily, will help with reducing the carbon footprint downtown and reduce the need for additional parking garages.
Cecil is a forward thinker. He is committed to increasing green park areas downtown instead of adding more private development at the cost of concreting over and losing the beauty of our city. There are three Council seats open and the mayor’s seat.
Cecil cannot make changes alone. Re-elect Cecil, boot Gwen Wisler out and elect two new, fresh, progressive-thinking Council members along with a new mayor. Then we may actually have a Council that will vote in favor of Asheville residents’ needs.
Learn more and donate at www.cecilbothwell.com. Most of all, get out and vote for Cecil Bothwell on Nov. 7.
— Julie Nelson
Asheville
Doesn’t support whole house rentals? Then he is useless. But he does support overspending in the RAD by tens of millions.
Bothwell is not your answer.
You’re right at least in your conclusion… “Bothwell is not your (our) answer.” But we already expect that conservatives, small government advocates, etc. will be predisposed to oppose Bothwell’s reelection, so there’s no surprise there. In fact, your opposition actually helps him and provides fodder for his campaign.
No, the critical constituency that needs to be reached is my fellow progressives (and all good liberals, lefties, pinkos, cultural warriors, etc.). For those of my fellow travelers who (like me) have supported Bothwell in the past, and who (unlike me) are inclined to support him again, I urge you to give other progressives (and there are several) a real good look before casting another vote for Bothwell.
Although, as I say, I was once a supporter, in more recent years I have seen Cecil evolve from being a useful gadfly, to becoming a divisive, power-tripping narcissist and bully. If that characterization seems to depict him as almost Trumpian — it is intended. Their politics may be miles apart, but in terms of basic temperament there are too many similarities. Cecil’s recurrent grand standing, demonization of anyone who disagrees with him, needless politicizing against those on the council who should be natural allies, and his intellectual dishonesty in how he frames issues and depicts those who may disagree with him, has grown more than tiresome. It is now disruptive of good government and sound policy. Asheville progressives, it’s time for a change — we can do much better. Enough of Bothwell’s recurring drama.
That’s an interesting characterization of Mr. Bothwell that appears to have some accuracy. I’m curious as to whom you would recommend as an alternative.
Vijay Kapoor may be viable. Avoid Rich Lee like the plague.
A consequence of non-partisan elections for City Council is that “parties” emerge whether you want them or not. The founders wanted a non-partisan Congress and wrote about the dangers of factionalism, mindful of the British precedent, but that sentiment didn’t make it past George Washington. It never does. Even if you don’t have formal alliances, governing well generally requires maintaining affiliation over time so that compromises on certain issues are offset by obtaining concessions on others. David Forbes wrote about this in relation to Asheville politics after the last elections in 2015:
http://ashevilleblade.com/?p=1602
To avoid a narrow discussion about personality , it’s worth considering what “the Bothwell function” has been since 2009, and whether the current composition and focus of City Council reflects a job done versus a job left to do. There are candidates running this year because the dynamics of city politics have changed, and perhaps the “useful gadfly” role ought to pass on to someone else.
This also counts as a point against district-based elections: electing three candidates at a time is an explicit vote for the alignment of the entire City Council. Voters can choose between continuity and change, but there’s a third choice: a mixture of the two. You don’t get that when asked to vote narrowly on individual races in artificial districts.
Wrong. The less they can agree on anything, the less likely they will spend money without thinking it through. This is exactly what the city needs. It’ll ensure that 50 million dollar cost overuns on projects that benefit Biltmore are less likely to occur. And Bothwell should be kicked out just for that farce alone. Nevermind the other things. He’s the biggest proponent of the RAD gentrification. And he failed miserably to keep up with the cost of it.
“Although, as I say, I was once a supporter, in more recent years I have seen Cecil evolve from being a useful gadfly, to becoming a divisive, power-tripping narcissist and bully. If that characterization seems to depict him as almost Trumpian — it is intended. Their politics may be miles apart, but in terms of basic temperament there are too many similarities. Cecil’s recurrent grand standing, demonization of anyone who disagrees with him, needless politicizing against those on the council who should be natural allies, and his intellectual dishonesty in how he frames issues and depicts those who may disagree with him, has grown more than tiresome. ”
My comparison would not be trump, but Carl Mumpower. Both he and Councilman Bothwell are rigid ideologues (on the opposite ends of the spectrum) who seem more interested in being the center of attention than in actually getting anything accomplished. I voted for Bothwell in the past, but no more. After eight years is time to give someone else a change.
nowadays he’s the only one that can still offer some reason with city problems better than all the rest…(since Dr. Mumpower is absent)…
Cecil is the only worthy one left on council.
I’m not sure why you missed the filing deadline, but there is still time to start a write in campaign.
I didn’t miss it…did you?
So you’re on the ballot then? Cool!
Gotta wonder where the ” divisive, power-tripping narcissist ” thing comes from.
I have done my utmost to defend what I perceive to be the wishes of my constituents. I have sent three e-mails in almost 8 years that trashed people who lied about me, or about the issues I have defended. I have left one nasty phone message to a person I know personally, when he lied about me in public (and which he decided to broadcast).
I’m really not clear why some people imagine that I am either divisive or unwilling to compromise. I have compromised on issue after issue over these years. Of course, no rational compromise starts out with caving in, so I have held up my side of issues going in …. but have always been a supporter of the idea that the best solutions come from people clearly stating positions (often diametrically opposed) and finding middle ground.
Frankly, I find the derision I enjoy to be pretty laughable. I have worked during all of my short time on Council to listen to supporters and opponents, to find best solutions based on facts, and to be entirely transparent in my public service.
Dear Cecil, I need to work 7 months just to pay taxes. You ain’t helping. Now do I fear your phony fines for using my property to cash in or do I struggle while you and the rest of the establishment spend recklessly? Should I fear you or should I starve? Cause life ain’t real fun and people like you who think money grows on trees is a huge reason why.
Oh and Wanda has earned it seems the attention of the Feds. IMO your friend Brownie is just as tainted. They both became very wealthy off of the backs of people like me.
IMO and a dollar buys you a cup of coffee.