UNCA political science professor Bill Sabo sees definite advantages to district election systems in cities with populations over 100,000. But with Asheville well below that threshold, it’s less clear what making such a switch here might mean.
Tag: Buncombe County
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Democracy by decree: State lawmakers may impose new city election system
A June 3 email from Rep. Tim Moffitt to Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy revealed a plan that has city officials and some residents up in arms.
Buncombe Commissioners discuss development at Swannanoa meeting
Residents raised a variety of issues and concerns with Buncombe County commissioners during a July 16 community meeting in Swannanoa, including zoning, development and pedestrian safety.
District elections: Beyond the rhetoric
The recent disclosure that state Rep. Tim Moffitt had drafted a bill to change Asheville City Council contests from an at-large system to predominantly district elections has triggered heated debate among both elected officials and the general public. Although Moffitt hasn’t yet filed the bill, which mirrors the state-mandated 2011 switch for the Buncombe County commissioners, he could follow through at any time, and the potential impacts are substantial. In the following articles, Xpress takes a closer look at what such a move might mean for this city — and for this year’s scheduled elections.
Buncombe Commissioners discuss new schools, shooting range
Asheville residents focused much of a July 15 community meeting with the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on new schools and a possible new shooting range.
Buncombe Commissioners hear concerns at Enka community meeting
Residents raised a wide variety of issues and concerns with Buncombe County commissioners during a July 9 community meeting in Enka.
Buncombe commissioners to hold series of community meetings
Buncombe County commissioners will hold community meetings over the next couple of weeks in each district, seeking feedback and ideas from constituents.
A cultural bypass
Amid a contentious behind-the-scenes debate, a bill that would've originally allowed Buncombe County and its cities to consolidate parks and recreation departments was revised June 26 in the North Carolina Senate to exclude municipalities completely. First garnering bipartisan support this spring, recent revisions have highlighted ongoing political tensions between local and state officials over consolidation […]
Buncombe Commissioners pass interim budget
Buncombe Commissioners unanimously passed an interim budget June 28 as they wait for the state to decide on a whether to allow the county to create an independent Cultural and Recreation Authority.
Culture authority bill revised to exclude cities entirely
A bill that would’ve originally allowed Buncombe County and its cities to consolidate parks and recreation departments was revised June 26 in the N.C. Senate to exclude municipalities completely.
Buncombe commissioners deny motor sports expansion, delay budget vote
After hearing from dozens of residents who spoke out on the matter June 25, Buncombe County commissioners denied a request to expand where motor sports facilities can be built.
LIVE: Updates from local government meetings
Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are meeting today, June 25, to discuss budget plans. See live updates from the meetings here via Twitter.
Buncombe commissioners split over culture authority, likely to delay budget vote
Buncombe County commissioners may likely delay their vote today on a $337 million budget. The source of the postponement appears to be the contentious behind-the-scenes debate over state legislation that would allow them to create an independent Cultural and Recreation Authority that consolidates services offered by the county and municipalities within Buncombe. Some commissioners say they weren’t consulted about a recent amendment to the CRA bill, and it’s unclear whether a majority of commissioners supported the amendment.
Buncombe Commissioners preview: Crunch time
After months of debate, commissioners are set to finalize the Buncombe County budget when they meet Tuesday, June 25.
‘Project X’ revealed: Details on GE Aviation’s local expansion plans
The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County announced June 17 that GE Aviation is planning a major expansion of local operations, putting an end to months of speculation about a deal that had been known as “Project X.”
Picking winners: Buncombe County budget calls for increase in nonprofit spending
After months of debate, Buncombe County Commissioners are poised to give local nonprofits slightly more money overall than last year, but much less than they want.
Fryar being treated for lung cancer
Buncombe County Commissioner Mike Fryar revealed June 11 that he’s battling lung cancer.
Construction at Isaac Dickson likely to begin next year, new middle school delayed until 2018
As the deadline to finalize the county budget approaches, Buncombe commissioners huddled with staff June 4 to make decisions on two new Asheville city school buildings.
Public gives little feedback on Buncombe budget plan
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a June 4 public hearing on their $337 million budget proposal, but they didn’t hear much from the public.
LIVE: Updates from the June 4 meeting of the Buncombe Commissioners
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hold a June 4 public hearing on the budget, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on changes to the tax rate and government spending.
Public invited to weigh in on Buncombe budget plan June 4
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hold a June 4 public hearing on the budget, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on changes to the tax rate and government spending.