Gantt’s views on workplace equality were misconstru­ed

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

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)

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?

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]