Intolerance is poor theology

Posted on April 2, 2013April 2, 2013 by Brad Dawson

Why is it that some religious folks are bent on inserting themselves (and their particular beliefs) into the business of government or civil matters, such as equality for all taxpaying citizens and, in this specific case, Buncombe County workers? [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” March 27 Xpress.] While the county commissioners' vote approved benefits for both […]

Those good ol’ days

Posted on March 12, 2013March 12, 2013 by Joe Dawson

I would like to personally thank Mountain Xpress and Commissioner Mike Fryar for highlighting everything that is wrong with, and will spell the ultimate demise of the Republican Party [“Building Knowledge,” Feb. 27 Xpress]. Fryar makes the woefully ignorant statement: "In the Kentucky coal mining town where [I] attended elementary school, if a breeze blew […]

The “new representation” is anything but

Posted on December 11, 2012December 11, 2012 by Susan Oehler

Even though the voters of Asheville do not want their water system taken from them, it appears that means absolutely nothing. I attended the meeting on Nov. 30 at the Metropolitan Sewerage District. Let me tell you this: MSD does not know how to run a public meeting. They had an overflow crowd, since they […]

Flood Gallery overflows with politics

Posted on October 17, 2012October 17, 2012 by Nelda Holder

An overflow crowd of more than 150 people packed the Flood Gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District on Tuesday evening, October 9, to talk with candidates for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners about the subject all around them — the arts.

The art of politics in Buncombe County

Posted on October 7, 2012October 7, 2012 by Nelda Holder

Jolene Mechanic is playing the numbers by calling a meet-the-candidates forum in the River Arts District on Tuesday, Oct. 9. And she’ll even tell you the winning figure ahead of time: 43,749,707.

District 1 candidates vie for Buncombe County commission seats

Posted on October 2, 2012October 2, 2012 by Nelda Holder

On a cool, drizzly, first-of-October evening, the three candidates for District 1, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, gathered with potential voters in Pack Memorial Library’s Lord Auditorium. (Photo: Left to right — Don Guge, Holly Jones, Brownie Newman; photo by Max Cooper)

Misrepresented by Molton

Posted on September 11, 2012September 11, 2012 by David Gantt

A recent Mountain Xpress cartoon stated that I voted against protection of LGBT rights [Molton, Sept. 5]. On Aug. 7, I voted for an amendment to Buncombe County's personnel policy supporting the rights of LGBT employees. After the majority of the Board of Commissioners voted against this amendment, the unamended policy that passed required a […]

Buncombe County commissioners value workers

Posted on September 11, 2012September 11, 2012 by Vicki Meath

It is fitting that the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution that values workers during a week that began with a holiday honoring labor. As part of the Sept. 4 consent agenda, the the commissioners passed a living-wage resolution ensuring that their regular employees are making a living wage. A living wage is […]

Gantt’s views on workplace equality were misconstrued

Posted on August 28, 2012August 28, 2012 by Beth Jezek

I read a puzzling comment from Tim Peck on the Aug. 21 online article, "Commissioners Approve Personnel Ordinance, Reject LGBT Protections (see the article and comment at http://avl.mx/ji). I think it’s important that people understand Chairman David Gantt’s position at Tuesday’s Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting. My understanding is that the motion put before […]

Holding steady

Posted on June 12, 2012June 12, 2012 by Jake Frankel

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners June 5, 2012 meeting Commissioner candidates slam budget Waste Pro gets 4 percent rate increase Although a public hearing on the budget was on the June 5 agenda, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners didn't wait for residents to weigh in before diving into some of its most rancorous issues. […]

An informed voter (thanks to Xpress)

Posted on May 15, 2012May 15, 2012 by Chris Hayes

Hats off to Mountain Xpress for the voter guide edition [“Election 2012: Pick Your Players,” May 2 Xpress]. The guide helped me to select candidates for county commissioner and county commission chair. I was unable to find good info on where each candidate stood on the issues from the online voter guide. I think the […]

A new hotel?

Posted on May 8, 2012May 8, 2012 by Jake Frankel

More commercial development is on the way for a spot in Oteen, thanks to a unanimous rezoning decision by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners at its May 1 meeting. At the urging of property owner H.P. Patel, a vacant 1.78-acre parcel at 1501 Tunnel Road was rezoned from R–2 (Residential District) to CS (Commercial […]

Xpress’ election guide

Posted on May 8, 2012May 8, 2012 by David Forbes

There’s a slew of candidates (and a very controversial constitutional amendment) on the ballot. Here’s Xpress’ guide to today’s elections, including candidate questionnaires and an analysis of Amendment One.

Michelle Pace Wood, Democrat, candidate for District 3, Buncombe County Commissioners

Posted on May 4, 2012April 9, 2017 by Xpress Staff

Party Democrat Slogan Your Voice For Jobs Profession Small Business Owner Residence Candler Funding Report to be filed soon. Top donors are Ben Pace ($1,000) and Jamie Pace ($1,000). Endorsements None 1. Do you favor A) creating a regional water authority, B) giving the existing system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District or C) leaving it […]

David King, Republican, candidate for District 3, Buncombe County Commissioners

Posted on May 4, 2012April 9, 2017 by Xpress Staff

Linda Southard, Republican, candidate for District 3, Buncombe County Commissioners

Posted on May 4, 2012May 4, 2012 by Margaret Williams

Party Republican Slogan Elect a Citizen, Not a Politician Profession Businesswoman and successful entrepreneur Residence Candler Funding Mostly self-funded. Endorsements Buncombe County Board of Education member Lisa Baldwin, Buncombe Forward 1. Do you favor A) creating a regional water authority, B) giving the existing system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District or C) leaving it under […]

Terry Van Duyn, Democrat, candidate for District 3, Buncombe County Commissioners

Posted on May 4, 2012April 9, 2017 by Xpress Contributor

Mike Fryar, Republican, candidate for District 2, Buncombe County Commissioners

Posted on May 3, 2012May 3, 2012 by Margaret Williams

Party: Republican Slogan: “Common Sense Solutions” Profession: Small-business owner, former race-car engine builder Residence: Fairview Funding: Top donors are Roy and Becky Ramsey ($750), James Young ($750), Mark Delk ($500), Linsey and Teresa DeBruhl ($250), Mark Meadows ($250), Kelly & Miranda DeBruhl ($250), Albert Sneed ($250) Endorsements: Nathan Ramsey, former chairman, Buncombe County Board of […]