A-B Tech is for the county, so the county should be for A-B Tech

Posted on by Hank Dunn

For 52 years, A-B Tech has provided education, training and re-training to residents of Buncombe County [”School or Scandal? ” Oct. 19 Xpress]. We've done it honestly and accountably, because you deserve nothing less. We're seeking the quarter-cent sales-and-use tax for renovating and expanding A-B Tech's educational facilities for one reason: to prepare our county's people and employers for the jobs of the future.

As Nov. 8 approaches, I assure you the county resolution totally dedicates the quarter-cent to A-B Tech. State law does not allow ballot language to include our name. By resolution Orange and Durham counties are doing the same. It is disheartening to see people spreading misinformation about the referendum. It's one thing to disagree about a vote. It's another to say things that aren't true.

Leaders and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Children First and our bipartisan co-chairs, Sherriff Van Duncan and former Asheville Mayor Lou Bissette, have endorsed the A-B Tech referendum. If you know the facts, you'll share their confidence the funds are dedicated and will be legally obligated to improve A-B Tech as an economic engine. It's for facilities improvements, period. I encourage you to vote for the quarter-cent for A-B Tech.

— Hank Dunn
President, A-B Tech
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 Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam
View all posts by Webmaster →

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 “A-B Tech is for the county, so the county should be for A-B Tech”

  1. timothypeck

    ‘Tis the season for snow jobs.

    Buncombe County Board of Commissioner’s resolutions on future expenditures are non-binding.
    …………………

  2. Richard Mauney

    AB Tech just celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. This is the first time I know of that the college has put itself in such a contentious position with much of the community it serves.

    I know AB Tech has facilities needs, but, not to the tune of $130 million. Let me put it in perspective. If the college uses $10 million to address deferred maintenance on current facilities; then, that leaves $120 million for new buildings. Now, at an estimated construction cost of $240 per square foot, they will be able to build another 500,000 square feet of new buildings. The entire Victoria Road Campus is about 600,000 square feet. So this sales tax increase generates enough money to almost double the size of the main campus! Keep in mind that it is the county

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.