In the wake of elections last week that maintained conservatives’ firm grip on state power, Rev. William Barber urged progressives in Asheville not to lose faith in the strength of the Moral Monday movement.
Tag: NCGA
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Video: Moffitt discusses election loss, political future
In the wake of last week’s election loss, local N.C. House Rep. Tim Moffitt told the News & Observer in a video interview that he will do some “soul searching” before deciding if he will run for office again.
Barber visits Asheville to ‘re-energize’ progressives after election defeat
Barely a week after Democratic candidates suffered a statewide beating at the polls, Moral Monday leader Rev. William Barber will deliver a Nov. 13 pep talk to progressives in Asheville. Organizers of the event are touting it as an opportunity to “re-energize as Dr. Barber contextualizes the recent election,” according to a Facebook post promoting […]
A deeper dive into the Democratic blue: Analysis of Buncombe Commission, NC House elections
Despite rightward-streaming state and federal political currents, Buncombe County stood out on election night as a small sea of Democratic blue. In several important local races, Democratic candidates toppled Republican incumbents or maintained their positions of power. Here’s a look at some of those key local races, with an analysis of what happened and the consequences going forward.
2014 election results: Buncombe goes blue
Buncombe County Democrats had a big night, winning several key local races by razor thin margins. (Photo by Pat Barcas)
Buncombe posts relatively high early voting totals
Election Day isn’t until tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 4, but thousands of Buncombe County voters have already gone to the polls. The percentage of local residents who voted early was relatively high this year despite a new state law that reduced the number of days it was available. This year 41,746 Buncombe residents voted early, compared […]
2014 candidate endorsement roundup
Endorsements can be a handy tool showing which groups and individuals have publicly thrown their support behind a particular office-seeker. In this post we’ve compiled what was provided by some of the Buncombe County candidates and collected by Xpress.
Apodaca addresses coalition of NC mayors in Asheville
Mayors from a variety of cities across North Carolina gathered in Asheville Oct. 23 for a luncheon that included an update from N.C. Sen. Tom Apodaca and a panel discussion on economic development. “I’d like to welcome you to Asheville, we hope you spend a lot of money. We need it,” said Apodaca at the […]
Local North Carolina Senate candidates wrangle over issues
Candidates hoping to represent Western North Carolina in the state Senate debated Oct. 16 at UNC Asheville, highlighting differences on a range of issues, from education and the economy to the environment. Here’s a look at the candidates and their views. District 49 In the District 49 race, Democratic Sen. Terry Van Duyn and Republican Mark Crawford are vying […]
Statehouse candidates debate: Turner vs. Moffitt
After months of sparring through media interviews and attack ads, Republican N.C. House Rep. Tim Moffitt met face to face with Democratic challenger Brian Turner Aug. 29 at their first forum of the year.
Statehouse candidates debate: Ramsey vs. Ager
There wasn’t much tension between Nathan Ramsey and John Ager at the Council of Independent Business Owners’s early-morning debate, Friday, Aug. 29 perhaps because of a personal history. “John’s my neighbor,” said Ramsey. “I’ve known John since I was probably about two years old.” Not only are the two candidates personal acquaintances, both grew up in the […]
Asheville Council sends legislative wish list to Raleigh
Opposing priorities between Asheville and state government took center stage Aug. 27, as Asheville City Council heard an update on recent actions by the General Assembly and approved a list of actions it would like lawmakers to take next year.
Buncombe Statehouse candidates to debate Aug. 29; Tillis to speak
This Friday, Aug. 29, promises to be an intense day in local politics, as all four Buncombe County Statehouse candidates debate and U.S. Senate candidate Thoms Tillis speaks at a breakfast event.
Details: The public hearing on fracking in WNC
Concerned or excited about the prospect of increased oil and gas development in Western North Carolina? The North Carolina Mining and Energy Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 12 in Cullowhee and welcomes your feedback on proposed rules that could help pave the way for hydraulic fracturing – also known as ‘fracking’ – […]
‘Mountain Moral Monday’ rally returns to Asheville Aug. 4
The ‘Mountain Moral Monday’ rally will return to downtown Asheville Aug. 4, aiming to bring together thousands of people from across the region to protest what they see as destructive state policies and help get out the vote in this year’s election.
Buncombe commissioners hear appeals for school funding, delay contentious decisions
Amid ongoing budget deliberations, on June 17 Buncombe County commissioners heard appeals from local schools for more funds and decided to delay contentious decisions on whether to relocate the Health and Human Services Department and build a new aquatics center.
Juneteenth: First-ever 13th Amendment exhibit celebrates end of slavery
Nearly 150 years after the end of the Civil War, one of the era’s most important historical documents was displayed in Western North Carolina for the first time ever.
Chamber to present priority list at Legislative Luncheon
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is hoping to build bridges between the local business community and state lawmakers April 25 at its annual Legislative Luncheon.
Van Duyn wins race to fill Nesbitt’s senate seat
In a special April 3 election, Buncombe County Democratic leaders picked community activist Terry Van Duyn to serve as the area’s new North Carolina senator. (Photo by Alicia Funderburk)
Legislator briefs NC Press Association on public notices
At a Feb. 27 legislative briefing in Chapel Hill, Rep. Chris Malone updated members of the North Carolina Press Association on a handful of issues related to the journalism industry.
Asheville City Schools drafts implementation plan for controversial new state contract rules
A special Asheville City Schools advisory council has drafted recommendations on how to implement a contentious new state law allowing school systems to offer one-time, four-year contracts and salary bonuses to top-25 percent performers.