Unlike other local instances of the disease caused by the new coronavirus, explained Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, county health workers had been unable to trace at least two cases to a specific source — suggesting that the infection is spreading within the county at large.
“Buncombe County commissioners should not declare our county a Second Amendment sanctuary. Doing that would send a message that this amendment is more important than the others.”
The budget allocation approved during the meeting was double the $250,000 request listed on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners agenda, which was published on March 11. Of the new amount, $350,000 will go to public safety, with an additional $75,000 spent on both human services and general government.
Buncombe County has opened two drive-through testing sites, which will be open Wednesday, March 18, from 2-6 p.m. The first site is Biltmore Church at 35 Clayton Road in Arden, and the second is UNC Asheville at One University Heights.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hear an update on the local status of COVID-19, then consider a $250,000 appropriation to provide funding for the county’s emergency response. Of that money, $200,000 would be available to the county’s public safety efforts, while $50,000 would be allocated to human services.
More Buncombe County voters — 81,887, or 41.79% of all eligible residents — took part in the primary elections that wrapped up March 3 than in any previous primary in the county’s history. Xpress outlines the winners and losers for levels of elected office from president to Asheville City Council.
“Terri has a great commitment to this community and will serve us well as our commissioner.”
“Based on my many experiences collaborating and working with her, I can say without a doubt that Terri is someone we can all trust to sit at the table with integrity.”
“Terri’s vision for the Buncombe area states that she will strive to develop accessible greenways and recreational resources for the health and well-being of the individuals who live there.”
“I believe that an important part of keeping that economy strong relies on reasonable and smart land use. Endorsed by the Sierra Club, Nancy Nehls Nelson, Democratic candidate for Buncombe County commission in District 1, will work with stakeholders to make that happen.”
At the recommendation of the Buncombe County Republican Party, the board is scheduled to appoint Anthony Penland to fill the District 2 vacancy left by the late Commissioner Mike Fryar during its regular meeting. Penland will face Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in November’s general election.
“While education is her No. 1 focus, she will also work to preserve what many of us have come to the area for: nature, open spaces, farmland and our beautiful environment.”
“I’ll have to write in myself unless someone else volunteers, since there’s no Republican or Libertarian primary to turn to, leaving zero democratic choice as usual.”
“With her corporate business experience, as well as the insight she has gained through community outreach and volunteer service, she would be an incredible asset to any public office.”
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Board members will consider spending an additional $650,000 to connect the bridge to existing roads at the board’s regular meeting in Room 326 at 200 College St. Buncombe officials previously allocated $3 million in taxpayer money for the structure, which was started over four years ago and has yet to carry traffic over Hominy Creek.
In preparation for the March primary, Xpress sent questions to all candidates in contested races for their party’s nomination to various local and national offices. Responses from candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, N.C. General Assembly, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City Council are all collected here.
“Beyond Terry promoting land preservation and conservation stewardship, she has helped in securing broadband internet access, community programs and rural economic development.”
“She has worked tirelessly for our Sandy Mush community, helping to bring sorely needed access to high-speed internet to our rural valley and to honor and promote our agricultural heritage.”
Most of those who spoke were in support of declaring Buncombe a “Second Amendment sanctuary” where officials would pledge not to enact or enforce laws that threaten the right to bear arms. The commissioners did not weigh in on the discussion following public comment.
“He has proven himself a visionary and vigorous policymaker in his time on the Buncombe County Planning Board.”
