Manheimer a practical choice for mayor

I am writing in support of Esther Manheimer in her run to for mayor. I met Esther when she first ran for City Council four years ago, and I was immediately impressed with her intelligence, confidence, independence, breadth of knowledge and willingness to wrestle with difficult issues. Since then, I have worked with her on the city’s stormwater ordinance, the transit system, the water-system battle and energy issues, and I am continually impressed with her drive to find the answer that makes sense and makes a difference.

She is not interested in taking stands that have no impact or in passing ordinances that won’t achieve their purpose. She is practical and motivated by what will be best for the city rather than by ideology, personal agendas or a narrow perspective. This is the kind of clear thinking and levelheadedness we need in our leaders.

Esther also has vision, which is something else we need in our leaders. As a lawyer and experienced policy maker, she is trained to pay attention to detail and consider a multitude of factors, all the while working steadily forward toward the goal — in this case, a more vibrant, sustainable and successful Asheville. She has the courage to lead us to a great future and, in so doing, makes decisions that might not be popular in some corners. But courage, again, is another hallmark of a great leader.

I share Esther’s vision for Asheville’s future, and I proudly support her for our next mayor.

— Julie Mayfield
Asheville