Letter: Roney offers leadership for change

Graphic by Lori Deaton

Asheville is changing rapidly, and we need leadership that can roll with it. We need leadership who is smart and flexible, who holds fast to the values of equity and affordability but is willing to listen and learn along the way. Kim Roney is that kind of leader.

The complexities of the issues facing us as the second-fastest gentrifying city in the country require both deep study and creative problem-solving. Kim does her homework, as was evidenced in the Young Democrats candidate forum [Oct. 23]. Her answers to questions about issues faced by service workers in our tourist-based economy were articulate, innovative and heartfelt. She herself works in the service industry as a bartender and also has more than a decade of tireless volunteer community organizing experience.

Her years on the Multimodal Transportation Commission and Transit Committee, as well as reporting local news for Asheville FM, have given her a practical understanding of how to get things done in local government.

She is a great listener, committed to bringing all voices to the table. She is young, energetic and a beacon of hope sorely needed. Please join me in voting for Kim Roney for City Council.

— Jennifer Murphy
Asheville

Editor’s note: Murphy reports that she is volunteering in Roney’s campaign.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Letter: Roney offers leadership for change

    • Alan Ditmore

      No it doesn’t. Gentrification is caused by unit density limits, not STRs, which are a scapegoat. STRs should be crowded out by affordable housing density, not regulated like a stupid scapegoat. Roney is a idiot but there are 4 even worse candidates and a leftover vote.

  1. Jay Reese

    In my mind her best attribute is that she doesn’t own a car. The only way we are going to break our dependence on the automobile is to elect people who do not drive.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.