Editor’s note: This article resulted from reporter David Forbes’ five-month investigation. During that time, he tried various means to get Sitel’s side of the story, including dozens of phone calls to different divisions of the company. At press time, Sitel still had not responded in any way; lacking that input, Xpress resorted to culling whatever […]
Tag: North Carolina
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Reluctant partners: Asheville, MSD take tentative steps toward merger
On May 4, 2011, freshman state Rep. Tim Moffitt of Buncombe County filed a brief bill calling for the transfer of Asheville’s water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District. Although the bill didn’t mention the city by name, its language pointed directly to Asheville and Buncombe County. The move sparked a firestorm of protest — […]
Unprecedented
SITEL workers mount historic union-organizing drive.
Reluctant Partners: Water system/MSD documents
The city of Asheville, the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County, and Henderson County officials have been negotiating and discussing the possibility of merging Asheville’s water system with MSD. Here are a few documents related to the topic. For more information, see “Reluctant Partners: Asheville, MSD Take Tentative Steps Toward Merger” in the Aug. 1, 2012 issue of Xpress.
With Meadows victory, Republicans set sights on 11th District seat
Mark Meadows routed Vance Patterson in the July 17 Republican runoff for the 11th Congressional District. That sets the stage for a fall face-off against Democrat Hayden Rogers.
The campaign money trail: So far, it’s advantage McCrory in the governor’s race
As of June 30, Republican candidate Pat McCrory has raised about $6.5 million to Democrat Walter Dalton’s $2.5 million.
Voter turnout for the July 17 runoffs: Less than 4 percent of registered North Carolina voters
Across the state, fewer than a quarter-million residents turned out to vote in various runoff races. North Carolina has more than 6 million people registered voters.
Ashevilean Mike Morse wins grueling Grandfather Mountain race, “The Bear”
From Linville to the foot of the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain, it’s just a five-mile run. But perhaps because the route has an 1,568-foot elevation change — they call this race “The Bear.” Asheville’s Matt Morse won the men’s division, taking the course in 32 minutes and 17 seconds. (photo by Skip Sickler)
Head to head
Republicans Mark Meadows and Vance Patterson will face each other in a July 17 runoff election to see who will represent their party against Democrat Hayden Rogers in the fall contest for the 11th Congressional District seat. Garnering 38 percent of the vote, Meadows topped a crowded field that included seven other challengers in the […]
Mark Meadows
Slogan: Life, Liberty & Less Government Profession: Small-business owner Residence: Cashiers Top three donors: House Conservatives Fund, Family Research Council Action PAC, Madison Project Total raised: $223,225 Top three endorsements: Family Research Council Action PAC, House Conservatives Fund, U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry (N.C. 10) What's the first bill you'll introduce if elected? Why? I will […]
Vance Patterson
Slogan: Jobs – Prosperity – Now Profession: Manufacturer, small-business owner Residence: Morganton Top three donors: Self-funding ($271,000), dozens of WNC small donors ($18,000), no special-interest money Total raised: $289,000 Top three endorsements: More than 23,000 WNC voters on May 8 and the majority of the other candidates for this office in the primary What's the […]
Smart Bets: Golden Animals
Being the opening act can be a thankless task, what with playing to a crowd who didn’t come to see you and taking the less-glamorous early slot. But it’s also a chance to roll out your best new material and, in 30 minutes or so, turn a room full of strangers into your newest disciples. […]
Minor earthquake recorded near Franklin, N.C., on June 19
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that, at 10:41 p.m. on June 19, a magnitude 2.0 earthquake occurred about 7 miles north-northeast of Franklin, N.C. No damage was reported.
The N.C. Republican Party is tarnishing the state’s name
The proposed platform of the North Carolina Republican Party includes the following language: "Government should treat all citizens impartially, without regard to wealth, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sex, political affiliation or national origin. We oppose all forms of invidious discrimination. Sexual orientation is not an appropriate category." So, here we see their true colors. We […]
The $830 million question
A central question for President Barack Obama’s health care reform law will be answered later this month. Namely, will the U.S. Supreme Court strike down the Affordable Care Act as unconstitutional? If “Obamacare” stands, North Carolina will have other unknowns to contend with. Specifically, where will the state come up with the hundreds of millions […]
Child Watch Tour emphasizes importance of early childhood education
About 75 people attended this year’s annual Child Watch Tour that emphasized the importance of a child’s first 2000 days — the length of time between when a child is born and enrolls in kindergarten. Currently, 1,068 children are on the waiting list for subsidized child care in Buncombe County. (photo by Caitlin Byrd)
A look at yesterday’s primary through Storify
Throughout election day and night, Xpress reporter Caitlin Byrd aggregated tweets and photos using Storify. The emotional tweets, election projections, neat Instagram photos, and more can be found here. (photo by Caitlin Byrd)
State races: Dalton, McCrory will face off for North Carolina governor this fall
Democrat and current Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton will face Republican Pat McCrory in the race for North Carolina governor this fall. In other state results…
Primary 2012: Election news and updates
It’s a busy day in North Carolina news rooms. With the first stage of the governor’s race, two congressional primaries, local races, and the much-debated Amendment One on the ballot, turnout is expected to be high. Follow the news via Twitter at #avlelect, and check here for dispatches as they come in. Photo by Max Cooper.
Who’s on the ballot? The May 8 primary candidates for the Asheville area
With at least 30 possible ballot variations in Buncombe County alone, there’s a dizzying array of choices for candidates. Here’s a short list.
Bothwell slams Rogers over payday loan industry donations
With election day, May 8, approaching fast, Cecil Bothwell is bashing his main rival in the 11th Congressional District Democratic primary, Hayden Rogers, for taking campaign donations from the payday loan industry.