As state Rep. Tim Moffitt contemplates a move to switch Asheville to predominantly district elections, similar changes he pushed for the Buncombe County commissioners continue to have far-reaching effects.
Tag: NCGA
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McCrory named one of the ‘Worst Governors in America’ by DC-based watchdog group
A report released today by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a D.C.-based nonprofit government watchdog group, names North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory as one of the “Worst Governors in America.” He is joined by 17 other governors, including Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
The district advantage
UNCA political science professor Bill Sabo sees definite advantages to district election systems in cities with populations over 100,000. But with Asheville well below that threshold, it’s less clear what making such a switch here might mean.
Democracy by decree: State lawmakers may impose new city election system
A June 3 email from Rep. Tim Moffitt to Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy revealed a plan that has city officials and some residents up in arms.
District elections: Beyond the rhetoric
The recent disclosure that state Rep. Tim Moffitt had drafted a bill to change Asheville City Council contests from an at-large system to predominantly district elections has triggered heated debate among both elected officials and the general public. Although Moffitt hasn’t yet filed the bill, which mirrors the state-mandated 2011 switch for the Buncombe County commissioners, he could follow through at any time, and the potential impacts are substantial. In the following articles, Xpress takes a closer look at what such a move might mean for this city — and for this year’s scheduled elections.
Asheville abortion clinic would be only one in NC to meet new restrictions
If the North Carolina General Assembly passes a bill that would change the state’s requirements for abortion clinics, Asheville’s FemCare would be the only clinic in the state able to meet the proposed guidelines.
Buncombe Commissioners pass interim budget
Buncombe Commissioners unanimously passed an interim budget June 28 as they wait for the state to decide on a whether to allow the county to create an independent Cultural and Recreation Authority.
Culture authority bill revised to exclude cities entirely
A bill that would’ve originally allowed Buncombe County and its cities to consolidate parks and recreation departments was revised June 26 in the N.C. Senate to exclude municipalities completely.
Buncombe commissioners split over culture authority, likely to delay budget vote
Buncombe County commissioners may likely delay their vote today on a $337 million budget. The source of the postponement appears to be the contentious behind-the-scenes debate over state legislation that would allow them to create an independent Cultural and Recreation Authority that consolidates services offered by the county and municipalities within Buncombe. Some commissioners say they weren’t consulted about a recent amendment to the CRA bill, and it’s unclear whether a majority of commissioners supported the amendment.
Back to the future: Years ago, Asheville rejected big compensation deals but ideas resurface
As Asheville gears up to file a lawsuit against state legislation that gives control of the city’s water system to the Metropolitan Sewage District, some rejected ideas posed by Buncombe County years ago to provide compensation have resurfaced.
Advocates for redistricting reform tout new study; poll shows overwhelming support
Ahead of the last election, Buncombe County was split between two congressional districts, and lines were redrawn in ways that helped Republicans get elected to the N.C. Statehouse and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Now, a new study shows how gerrymandering distorts elections in North Carolina, while a new poll finds overwhelming public support for changing the redistricting process.
Moffitt’s new business popular with GOP colleagues; critics question ethics, legality
Rep. Tim Moffitt has started a new political media firm that’s gaining popularity among his GOP colleagues in the North Carolina General Assembly. However, critics question the ethics and legalities of the new venture.
Nullify the “no nipple” bill
N.C. House Bill 34, the bill proposed by Reps. Rayne Brown and Tim Moffitt, was inspired by the GoTopless protests in Asheville. The bill received national attention after being introduced recently by the NCGA House Judiciary Committee. The goal of the bill is to make it illegal for women to expose any part of […]
Groups urge action against Progress Energy rate hikes
Progress Energy, the biggest electric company serving homes in Buncombe County recently merged with Duke Energy, making it the largest utility company in the U.S. And it’s coming under fire from a variety of groups including the AARP, which is urging residents to fight against rate hikes.
Dispatches from local community forum on N.C. budget and economy
The United Way, N.C. Budget and Tax Center and other organizations teamed up Dec. 11 to host a community forum on the economy, state budget, and tax modernization. Here’s a look at the forum via Tweets and photos from attendees, rounded up using Storify.
Election 2012: New faces, contested races
Candidate questionnaire: District 114 Statehouse candidate Susan Fisher
This post features responses to the Xpress questionnaire from Susan Fisher, the Democratic candidate for N.C. Statehouse District 114, which includes most of Asheville. Fisher is the incumbent and she faces no challenger on this year’s ballot.
Candidate questionnaire: District 116 Statehouse candidates Whilden, Moffitt
This post features responses to the Xpress questionnaire from candidates vying to represent N.C. Statehouse District 116, which includes most of western Buncombe County from Arden to Enka and Leicester. Democrat Jane Whilden is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Tim Moffitt.
Candidate questionnaire: District 115 Statehouse candidates Wilson, Ramsey
This post features responses to the Xpress questionnaire from candidates vying to represent N.C. Statehouse District 115, which includes most of eastern Buncombe County from Fairview and Black Mountain to Weaverville. Democrat Susan Wilson is competing with Republican Nathan Ramsey.
Ramsey, Wilson face off at League of Women Voters forum
In the race for N.C. House District 115, which covers a wide swath of eastern Buncombe County, Republican Nathan Ramsey and Democrat Susan Wilson faced off over a variety of issues at an Oct. 15 forum. (This post includes video).
Chamber forum highlights education, economy — with a dash of water *Updated with video*
Not surprisingly, jobs and the economy were premiere topics at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s candidate forum on Thursday. But in no time at all, education and local government control — the Asheville water system being the prime example — also bobbed to the top.