“It is our next generation who is being underserved by the blatant ignorance of bigots in their homes, their schools, their political offices.”
Letter: When zoning and politics collide
“I was very disappointed to read reports that the Trump-appointee blueprint, Project 2025, explicitly supports single-family zoning, which would push me back toward the Democrats from whom I departed.”
Letter: Let’s head off a kudzu monolith
“There is no doubt that people will be economically affected when every road and scenic area in WNC is kudzu-covered, and that time is fast approaching.”
Letter: Where does the money go?
“I think it would be nice to have a full disclosure of how the $3 billion is spent and who gets it. It just doesn’t sit well with me.”
Letter: Fundamentals of education haven’t changed
“It escapes me how this could impact overworked, underpaid and probably unappreciated teachers interacting with students in classrooms.”
Letter: We can still talk about Vance without the monument
“The ‘visioning plan’ currently approved by the City Council foresees a Pack Square Plaza that contains something better than a new monument — an open “gathering space” where Ashevilleans can discuss anything they want, including their infamous native son.”
Letter: Jail annex could help ‘frequent flyers’
“I especially support his recommendation that selected street offenders be housed in the jail’s ‘annex,’ currently unused, next to the jail building.”
Letter: Library melee shows need to practice nonviolence
“In these deeply divided and perilous times, we all need to learn and practice skills that will defuse rather than escalate.”
Letter: New housing does not threaten Asheville families
“Asheville families are not under threat from new housing; they are under threat from a lack of housing. That’s why we have a process for zoning variances in the first place!”
Letter: Take UNCA concerns to legislature
“UNCA is just one more victim of a legislature hostile to excellence in public education at all levels.”
Letter: Support public education this November
“Whether you currently have a school-age child or you simply care about the quality of education in our state, then voting for candidates who promise to support public education should be top of mind this November.”
Letter: Theater is not a luxury
“I am concerned that students seeking a ‘liberal arts’ environment, experience and education will notice (like spinach between your teeth) that a theater experience is not available. Perhaps they will then choose another university.”
Letter: UNCA cuts will damage region, future generations
“The humanities and the arts inform leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals how to lead, how to make ethical decisions, how to engage in creative problem-solving and how to treat other human beings from all walks of life.”
Letter: The failure of the conditional zoning process
“What can city residents do to protect their families, homes and quality of life? First, don’t rely on the 2018 comprehensive plan as a guideline for how development will occur in your area.”
Letter: Liberal arts cuts at UNCA hurt community
“Asheville is worse off as a community for gutting the foundation of a liberal arts core.”
Letter: Paradise lost at Hominy Creek
“Realistically, it appears that the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and RiverLink have written the obituary for French Broad Outfitters’ operation at Hominy Creek.”
Letter: This is no way to build a city
“The Council twists all of its strategic plans in knots to justify an outcome that leads to more houses.”
Letter: Advice for future anarchist events
“If you don’t want people at an event you sponsor, do not have it in a public library and do not physically attack those who do not agree with you if they show up and livestream your public event.”
Letter: Continue calling for truth, justice and peace
“Activity by Asheville groups gives us hope that we can transcend our narrow views — going beyond one political party, one program or one set of policies.”
Letter: A farewell to ceramicist Bob Kinzie
“Over his nearly 70 years as a potter, he worked and taught from studios in Southern California, Northern California and Asheville.”
Letter: Haw Creek rezoning ignores community concerns
“As feared, the Asheville City Council has approved the Meadows at New Haw Creek development, despite vociferous opposition from Happy Valley residents.”