Robert Knapp, Republican candidate for District 3, Buncombe County Commission­ers

Party: Republican Slogan: None Profession: Semiretired CPA Residence: Asheville Funding: “Self-funded. Have contributed $1,000 of my own money to set up the campaign account and will spend about $10,000 more.” Endorsements: “There aren’t usually endorsements in a primary race, so I haven’t felt it prudent to ask for one. All five Republican candidates in District […]

Xpress Files: Mike Fryar’s complaint to Board of Elections over Buncombe tax referendum

Here’s a copy of Mike Fryar’s letter of complaint to the Board of Elections in regards to the manner in which the Nov. 8, 2011 sales-tax referendum was conducted in Buncombe County. Also, a scanned copy of the check used to pay the costs of holding the referendum as promised by the J.O.B.S. committee that waged the campaign in support of it.

Wide open:No incumbent in District 3 commission­er races

In the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners races, District 3 seems fertile ground for Republicans. Five robust GOP candidates will face off in the May 8 primary, contending for two spots on the November ballot. Encompassing a swath of western Buncombe County that includes Enka/Candler, Leicester, Biltmore Forest and parts of south Asheville, District 3 […]

Six for two: Three Democrats, three Republican­s vie for District 2 commission­er seats

The six candidates in the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ District 2 races appear to be contesting a political no man’s land. Although the district was created only last year, the areas it encompasses (from Leicester to Black Mountain and Barnardsville to Fairview) haven’t consistently favored either party. In the May 8 primary, three Republicans […]

Where’s the fat in the Buncombe County budget?

The average Buncombe county family of four pays nearly $1,600 more each year in taxes and fees to Buncombe County than the average North Carolina county resident. Why is this? In the 2011/2012 Buncombe county budget, there is a line item called “Contributions,” which is money given to outside agencies (nonprofits) through grants, contracts or […]