Local business owners raised their voices and things got, by the moderator’s own admission, “a little out of hand” at Friday morning’s Council of Independent Business Owners meeting when it came to the issue of graffiti. With the district attorney, city leaders and a state representative on hand, opinions differed — sometimes sharply — on possible solutions and who should foot the bill.
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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)
Designing frameworks: Council readies for legislature’s return
Last year, relations between the North Carolina General Assembly and the city of Asheville were marked by hostility, public wars of words and even a lawsuit. At a special meeting yesterday, March 18, however, multiple Asheville City Council members expressed a desire to improve things this year, even though looming legislation could cost the city further revenue. They also signed off on efforts to better coordinate the city’s own lobbying efforts in Raleigh.
Robin Currin sworn in as city attorney
Today Asheville City Council appointed Robin Currin as the new city attorney, formally swearing her in at a special meeting. Currin, a Raleigh-based attorney with experience in local government, land and zoning law, will take office on May 1. Photo by Alicia Funderburk.
Sen. Nesbitt dies at age 67
State Senator Martin Nesbitt, the minority leader and longtime Democratic legislator from Asheville, died yesterday at age 67.
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.
Asheville City Council retreat: perception and reality
While Friday’s part of Asheville City Council’s annual retreat focused on broad policy matters, Saturday morning’s session focused on perceptions (including “very bad” ones) and relationships (sometimes not very happy ones) with the legislature in Raleigh and the local public.
Retreat time for Asheville City Council
It’s that time of year again: this Friday (and part of Saturday), Asheville City Council and city staff will meet to discuss goals and challenges in the coming year at their annual retreat. Topics include the city’s big goals, affordable housing and development, future investments, and the impact of the state legislature.
First female legislator’s Asheville home protected
The local historic home of Lillian Exum Clement Stafford, the first woman elected to the North Carolina General Assembly, is now protected by a preservation easement.
N.C. Treasurer Cowell discusses Asheville, state economy
The freezing temperatures didn’t stop North Carolina Treasurer Janet Cowell from laying out her take on the state of the economy, or prevent a crowd, including many local notables, from showing up to hear, and ask questions. She praised Asheville’s strong economy and “human capital” but noted challenges with infrastructure and state revenue. Photo by Alicia Funderburk
Video: Moyers examines the ‘State of Conflict’ in NC
Veteran national journalist and commentator Bill Moyers examines state politics in a new documentary, “North Carolina: Battleground State.”
A tumultuous year: Asheville City Council’s ups and downs in 2013
Asheville City Council’s 2013 was marked by financial turmoil, the first major tax hike in more than a decade, the demise of a long-standing festival, and major fights with the Legislature in Raleigh.
2013’s greatest hits: The year’s most-read news stories
A round-up of the five most-read news stories of 2013 on Mountainx.com.
Turner announces NC Statehouse bid against Moffitt
Former UNC Asheville Assistant Vice Chancellor Brian Turner (D) announced his intention today to run for the North Carolina General Assembly in 2014 against two-term incumbent Rep. Tim Moffitt (R).
Groundbreaking: GE Aviation comes to Asheville
State, local and company officials met today, Nov. 14, to break ground on GE Aviation’s new 170,000-square-foot Asheville facility, being built next to an existing GE Aviation machining plant in South Asheville.
Moffitt earns high rank from state business group
Buncombe County Rep. Tim Moffitt has been ranked the second most business friendly legislator in the state by the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation.
Sinclair elected to lead Buncombe County Democrats
Kathy Sinclair was elected Sept. 14 to chair the Buncombe County Democratic Party.
American Civil Liberties Union of NC flunks Ramsey, Moffitt; Fisher earns perfect score
The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina released its annual legislative report card Sept. 5, giving Buncombe County’s delegation vastly different scores.
Stepping on toes: in surprise Asheville visit, McCrory defends policies
Gov. Pat McCrory spoke to the Council of Independent Business Owners this afternoon, asserting he was “stepping on some toes” to lower taxes and make the state run more like a business.
Local, state orgs rally against state legislation
To a packed house at the Diana Wortham Theater last night, leaders of local and state organizations condemned the policies of the North Carolina General Assembly and heard concerns from local citizens.
Keever tapped to help lead NC Democrats
Longtime local leader Patsy Keever is stepping down from her post as the chair of the Buncombe County Democrats in favor of joining the state party’s leadership team.