North Carolina can support as many as nine Las Vegas-style casinos with gambling throughout the state, including one in the Asheville area, according to a report commissioned by the General Assembly.
Tag: John Ager
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N.C. House vacancies pave way for new faces in 2022
The planned retirements of Reps. John Ager, Susan Fisher and Brian Turner — all three multi-term Democratic members of the N.C. House from Buncombe County — mean the county’s state-level representation is set for a big shift in the upcoming election.
WNC’s state lawmakers reflect amid electoral uncertainty
Billed as a wrap-up of a busy year for WNC’s state legislative delegation, much of the Dec. 10 gathering hosted by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce wound up being devoted to the future of the General Assembly — a future that, following a Dec. 8 order by the North Carolina Supreme Court, faces many unknowns.
Local Democrats reluctant to support government transparency bill
When Xpress asked each of Buncombe County’s state-level representatives if they would support the new transparency measures contained in House Bill 64, only Republican Sen. Chuck Edwards gave an unequivocal yes.
WNC’s state legislators talk 2021 challenges
Chief among the issues facing the General Assembly next year, said Sen. Chuck Edwards, would be balancing the state’s next budget to reflect pandemic-driven downturns in revenue. He estimated that the shortfall compared to current spending levels could be as much as $8 billion.
Key takeaways from Buncombe’s 2020 elections
Xpress has compiled election night summaries for each of the contests previously included in our general election voter guide. The Buncombe County Board of Elections will not officially certify results until Friday, Nov. 13, and the state board will not issue certification until Tuesday, Nov. 24.
2020 General Voter Guide: N.C. House of Representatives Districts 114-116
Candidates in the 2020 general election for N.C. House of Representatives Districts 114-116 give their answers for the Mountain Xpress voter guide.
Montreat expands cybersecurity plans despite Cooper funding veto
The North Carolina General Assembly voted to award Montreat College $20 million towards the establishment of an independent cybersecurity training center in October, but Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the money. The private, Christian liberal arts college’s boosters, however, say they won’t be discouraged in filling what they see as an urgent need for ethically responsible cyber operatives.
The growing debate over raw milk
Enthusiasts say milk that hasn’t been pasteurized contains more nutrients; opponents say it may contain dangerous germs. Although it’s currently illegal in North Carolina to purchase raw milk for human consumption, the Small Dairy Sustainability Act would establish statewide standards for its production.
WNC election night 2018 live coverage
Watch this space for the latest election results and commentary from the Mountain Xpress news team. The post will be updated regularly throughout the evening.
Candidates for N.C. House of Representatives District 115, 2018 general election voter guide
John Ager Incumbent, Democrat Website: electjohnager.org Occupation: Farmer, legislator Previous candidacy or offices held: N.C. House, two terms Key endorsements: League of Conservation Voters; Buncombe County and North Carolina Association of Educators; State Employees Association of North Carolina; Sierra Club, WNC Central Labor Council Amount of money raised: $150,000 Top three donors: All individuals and […]
Camera-shy candidate kicks off voter forum
At the first of three planned Asheville-Buncombe County League of Women Voters’ candidate forums, the Republican candidate for N.C. Senate District 49 made an unusual request: Don’t take my picture and don’t record my words.
Constitutional amendment on hunting and fishing rights may have political motives
In November, North Carolina voters will choose whether to add the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife to their constitution. If the amendment passes, the state will join 21 others, including all of the South save Florida, Maryland and West Virginia, in explicitly affirming this right.
WNC environmental programs and agencies could see more cuts in new state budget
Local legislators and environmental advocates share their thoughts on which state budgetary and policy decisions could have a big impact on WNC’s environment in the coming fiscal year and beyond. They cited issues including the state’s response to novel contaminants like GenX chemicals, the budget for the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality and funding for the Clean Water Management, Parks and Recreation and Farmland Preservation trust funds.
Asheville students protest gun violence at downtown rally
Several hundred students from Asheville-area schools gathered in front of the Vance Monument before marching to Pack Square Park on Friday, April 20, in protest of gun violence and support of gun law reform. The rally, organized by student leaders from Odyssey High School, was part of a nationwide student walkout on the anniversary of […]
In Photos: Speakers at Asheville rally decry gun violence
A rally against gun violence at Pack Square in Asheville on Feb. 18 drew upward of 250 participants. Speakers honored the victims of the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla., where 17 people were killed, and expressed their desire for legislation to prevent more mass shootings.
Candidates in Black Mountain, Weaverville offer differing visions for future
Several smaller municipalities in Buncombe County will hold elections on Nov. 7 along with the city of Asheville. Xpress takes a look at the races in Black Mountain and Weaverville to find out what’s on the candidates’ minds as the election draws near and how they plan to serve their constituents.
Blunt talk: Medical marijuana takes root
Buncombe County commissioners identified combating opioid abuse and increasing teacher salary supplements as top priorities. But is legal marijuana a viable strategy for achieving those goals, or merely smoke and mirrors?
Election results, reactions — with updates throughout the evening
Xpress will update this page with election results, candidate reactions, pictures and more throughout the evening.
NC House District 115: Ager vs. Moretz
Democrat incumbent John Ager is seeking a second term for NC House District 115 while Republican challenger Frank Moretz looks to become the new representative for the eastern Buncombe County district.
2016 election guide
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and early voting runs through Nov. 5. Below you will find questionnaires from candidates at the federal, state and local levels. You can also find our federal and state election coverage in the current, Oct. 26, issue and our county election coverage in the upcoming Nov. 3 issue. For […]