We do not have to support big banks

We do not have to support big banks. The credit union is one of my favorite alternatives to larger banks. According to Wikipedia, “A credit union is a cooperative financial institution that is owned and controlled by its members and operated for the purpose of promoting thrift, providing credit at competitive rates, and providing other […]

“Local” doesn’t guarantee ethical business

The recent article on the firing at Buchi Kombucha should serve as a reminder that “local” business doesn’t inherently mean fair business ["Bottled in Bond," Dec. 22 Xpress]. Often the economic re-localization movement presents “local” as a panacea for a wide variety of economic and social woes while ignoring the systemic pressures brought to bear […]

Asheville economic stimulus package wish list

The mayors of North Carolina’s 26 largest cities released a list of “shovel-ready” projects Friday, saying the construction of roads, public buildings and other infrastructure projects would create 100,000 jobs. Asheville’s list of ready-to-go infrastructure ranged from a $4 million Hendersonville Road sidewalk project to $80,000 for bike racks and lockers. Upgrades to city parks […]

Asheville City Council

Fallout from the spreading national economic debacle is affecting not only financial institutions, investors and taxpayers, but also the city of Asheville, Chief Financial Officer Ben Durant told City Council. The red zone: Chief Financial Officer Ben Durant warns the Asheville City Council that the effects of a global economic meltdown are beginning to be […]