Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman lists land use policy as a top priority for the new commission, sworn in on Dec. 7. Board members will likely revisit the county’s land use plan, a document originally developed in 1998 and last updated in 2013, in response to rapid community growth.
Sandra Kilgore, Sage Turner and Kim Roney will officially become Asheville City Council members on Tuesday, Dec. 1. And on Dec. 7, newcomers Terri Wells and Parker Sloan will be sworn in to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners alongside returning incumbents Jasmine Beach-Ferrara and Brownie Newman.
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.
“In today’s deeply weird political climate, we need people who unify us, who listen to people and who act for the greatest good.”
“I like the way she integrates issues like growth, conservation, farming and economics in a way that can allow this county to grow sustainably.”
“With her intelligence, energy and something so rare these days — true integrity — she will serve Buncombe County well.”
“To strengthen our community, support our citizens and increase employment opportunities, vote for Terri Wells.”
“If you vote for Terri Wells for county commissioner of District 1, you can expect an honest and hardworking person for your commissioner.”
Candidates in the 2020 general election for four seats on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners give their answers for the Mountain Xpress voter guide.
“A vote for Terri is a vote for family farms, for education and for thriving rural communities!”
“I have no doubt that she will bring her fair-minded dedication to this position, benefiting the whole community.”
“The attraction of the candidacy of Terri Wells for county commissioner is that of a person who realizes our immediate goals must be the same as our long-view goals: goals for the common good.”
The revision comes thirteen years after the county Board of Commissioners first adopted the plan and reflects myriad changes to Buncombe’s agricultural sector, from the vibrant expansion of its direct-to-consumer markets to the gradual evaporation of its commodity dairies.
“She advocates for environmental stewardship, equity and inclusion, public education and rural broadband.”
More Buncombe County voters — 81,887, or 41.79% of all eligible residents — took part in the primary elections that wrapped up March 3 than in any previous primary in the county’s history. Xpress outlines the winners and losers for levels of elected office from president to Asheville City Council.
“Terri has a great commitment to this community and will serve us well as our commissioner.”
“Based on my many experiences collaborating and working with her, I can say without a doubt that Terri is someone we can all trust to sit at the table with integrity.”
“Terri’s vision for the Buncombe area states that she will strive to develop accessible greenways and recreational resources for the health and well-being of the individuals who live there.”
“While education is her No. 1 focus, she will also work to preserve what many of us have come to the area for: nature, open spaces, farmland and our beautiful environment.”
“I’ll have to write in myself unless someone else volunteers, since there’s no Republican or Libertarian primary to turn to, leaving zero democratic choice as usual.”
“She’s a careful decision-maker who does what she says she will do. We need that kind of thoughtfulness and accountability in our elected officials in Buncombe County.”
