” To all who came out on a cold, rainy night to eat, drink, dance and have a blast, we do appreciate your presence, energy and support.”
Scrutiny on the bounty
Asheville, NC
Letter: The long-term rewards of teaching
“Neither of my parents ever complained about the low pay; they just loved their work and were not doing it for money.”
Letter: Can democracy work at the food co-op level?
“I joined the co-op because I wanted to support an alternative to the corporate economy. … I would like for it to be a model of democratic governance, of community, and to fulfill its mission statement ‘to be a transformative force in our community and in our world.’ At this point, is there any way to do this?”
Letter: Oligarchy and its effect on us in NC
“This bill is written to help the rich and healthy young, but not the rest of us. This is oligarchy, which Trump and the Republicans want to force on us all. God help us all.”
Letter: Is this the best we can expect for our tax money?
“We in North Asheville also have problems with crumbling roadways and sidewalks with lack of repair.”
Letter: Environmental protest deserved coverage
“I know there is an element in our area which hopes to eliminate the voices of the people. Yet I would have thought the news media would acknowledge such a large gathering.”
Contrived substances
Asheville, NC
Letter: Williams asking for more accountability in city government
“In addition to pushing to lower APD’s racial disparity in police stops, Dee Williams on City Council will bring sanity to local politics and make racial and economic justice some of her top priorities.”
Letter: Thanks to Wicked Weed for positive community impact
“Why is it we celebrate tech startups that get acquired, yet shame a craft beer startup that gets acquired? Wicked Weed has been a tremendous steward to our community — as being a great place to work, as a supporter of many community causes, as a purchaser of local goods.”
Letter: May 20 hearing presentation focuses on tinnitus
“There is no cure, but [ tinnitus] is increasingly well-understood in terms of what it is and what you can do to live with it, and for the most part it can be well-managed.”
Letter: Toxic chemicals cause harm even if unrecognized
“Too much of what we now call ‘science’ is bought and paid for by corporations with frankly appalling conflicts of interest.”
Letter: The butchering of Beaucatcher Mountain
“You will see where Beaucatcher is being deforested and bulldozed for new home construction, all plans apparently meeting city specifications. Am I the only one who is concerned about this?”
Don’t chain your dog
Asheville, NC
Letter: Child care and early education generate jobs, millions in revenue
“Our local businesses rely on quality child care — many can’t do their job without it. Without safe, affordable options to care for their young children, parents may leave their jobs, which costs businesses in recruitment, retraining and the loss of skilled workers.”
Letter: Duke Energy should overhaul energy-efficiency programs
“It has been suggested that Duke license and implement the eScore program, which was highly successful for the Tennessee Valley Authority. EScore is attractive to both homeowners and participating contractors for its ease of use and effectiveness.”
The Gospel According to Jerry: Cataclysmic change
“The scene at the depot was a depressing beehive as these raw recruits, many no more than young boys, had their last meal with their families at the Atlantic Quick Lunch and then walked across the street to board a train.”
Letter: No longer ‘of and for’ the people
“I am sure you will agree that the fundamental and foundational rights of people have been usurped by special interests, corporations and those who have enough money to make their “speech” heard over the rest.”
Letter: Starvation wages, urban renewal and gerrymandering
“Indeed, policies are still in place actively working against the formation of new communities — zoning rules that forbid local shops that could serve as neighborhood hubs, lot size restrictions that might work for the suburbs, but which result in a farcically low population density in a city; a lack of sidewalks that means you may have to take your life in your hands just to go check up on a neighbor.”
Letter: Haywood Street sidewalks need attention
“As a resident of Haywood Street for almost three years, I have become increasingly concerned about the deplorable condition of the sidewalks on Haywood Street. Crumbling tiles have caused people to stumble and fall, causing real harm.”
Letter: Kudos to the sign vigilante
“Kudos to the vigilante: thanks! We appreciate you. Now if the city will just help out the vigilante, the person(s) can move on to even greater civic involvement.”