Letter writer: Brian Haynes offers thoughtful approach for City Council

Graphic by Lori Deaton

I support Brian Haynes for Council member because he is the only candidate whose message is: “Slow down” and think.

Do we want a city that is of the rich, by the rich and for the rich? A study cited in the Mountain Xpress found Asheville is 50 percent of the way toward total gentrification.

Do want a city that is cluttered with boxlike hotels, boxlike office buildings and boxlike government buildings? Asheville developers seem to have trouble thinking outside the box.

Do we want to continue to have an economy that is heavily dependent on tourism? Tourism revived Asheville in the ’90s, but is the current economic mix the recipe for a healthy, sustainable future?

As George Harrison said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”

— Steve Rosenthal
Asheville

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.

2 thoughts on “Letter writer: Brian Haynes offers thoughtful approach for City Council

  1. facepalm

    > “Do want a city that is cluttered with boxlike hotels, boxlike office buildings and boxlike government buildings?”

    YES, because that means there are jobs! Derp…

  2. Deb Criss

    The City feels so claustrophobic, with these hotels that are so ugly, and high. There also was no over site to keep the architecture in accordance with our beautiful city. They could have been 6 to 9 blocks out, like they are in more progressive eco minded cities.Even farther than that would be fine. Jobs yes, however, we don’t have the infrastructure or parking and now due to this…. minimal sunlight!

Leave a Reply to Deb Criss ×

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.