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 […]

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 […]

Newman cares about neighborho­ods

We are writing in support of Brownie Newman’s candidacy for Buncombe County commissioner. Newman exemplified leadership as an Asheville City Council member and vice mayor for environmental initiatives by slashing the city’s carbon footprint through LED bulbs for streetlamps, hybrid engines for buses and the expanded household-recycling program. More significantly, Newman demonstrated time and time […]

Two new: Commission­ers take first steps to replace aging schools

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners March 20, 2012 meeting Environmentalists urge joining billboard lawsuit March 23 proclaimed Women Veterans History Day Two new school buildings are in the works for Asheville. At their March 20 meeting, the Buncombe County commissioners unanimously approved taking the first steps toward replacing the aging Asheville Middle School and Isaac […]

The new party of change

Contrary to your Asheville letter writer last week concerning big government, I am a county resident and delighted to see our democratic rights finally exercised with two representatives from each of three districts on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, thanks to Rep. Tim Moffitt [“Moffitt Goes for Big Government,” Feb. 29 Xpress]. Maybe Asheville […]

Buncombe commission­ers: Retreat and advance

Jones urges Asheville Middle School renovation Mandatory trash pickup discussed The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners huddled with staff Jan. 31 to discuss past accomplishments and current priorities. Here's a look at some of the considerable ground they covered during their four-hour retreat. Where we’ve been County Manager Wanda Greene began by handing the commissioners […]

Let there be (regulated­) light

Sometime ago I wrote a letter highlighting how light pollution was beginning to affect the night sky here in the mountains [“Let's Do Something About Leicester's Growing Light-Pollution Problem,” Oct. 27, 2009, Xpress]. I am very gratified and satisfied to learn of the restrictions that the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has placed on this […]

Pay to stay

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Jan. 10, 2012 meeting Jones questions two-tiered benefits Emotional meeting abruptly concluded Tensions ran high as the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners met Jan. 10 to consider employee-compensation policy. In a memo to the commissioners and the county manager last month, as well as an email newsletter to supporters, Commissioner […]

My .25 cents on A-B Tech

I'm a pro-tax progressive, meaning if something is for the common good (like, say, education), then it's worth spending the money to do it right. Republicans think all taxes are bad, and they're dead wrong. Roads and highways are for the public good; even businesses couldn't survive without taxes. Based on what I've read — […]