Body cameras, public housing, the fate of a public square and no action on LGBT protections as Council swings back from the end of winter Above: Mayor Esther Manheimer. File photo by Max Cooper. February was an unusually light month for Asheville City Council. So many items from what would

WNC is Sanders territory, local upsets, the repulse of the far-right and more on what the happened in Tuesday’s primaries Above: Statewide election results map showing the precincts won by Bernie Sanders in beige and the ones won by Hillary Clinton in red. With long lines (due to both interest

We put your questions on a range of topics to candidates in the key Buncombe County Commissioner primaries. These officials oversee major services affecting 250,000 locals. Now, get out there and vote. It’s voting time, readers. Last week we tried to clear up some mis-impressions about voting in Asheville by

Name: Scott Bissinger Profession: Retired Chief Deputy, Buncombe County In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am a career public servant wishing to continue to lead and contribute in my community. General questions These questions are

Name: Isaac Coleman Profession: Retired In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am running to bring a different approach to the crisis issues and to be the first African-American to serve on the Buncombe County Commission.

Name: Gordon Smith Profession: Child and Family Therapist In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democratic Party In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: Buncombe County is one of the best places on earth, and we the people of Buncombe County deserve to have our

Name: Jasmine Beach-Ferrara Profession: Founding Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality. In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat. In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: As a mom and a minister, I know Buncombe County families face childhood poverty, struggling schools, and soaring

Name: Larry Dodson Profession: Asheville Fire Department Captain In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Hardworking Democrat. In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am passionate about healthy communities and equitable governance. General questions These questions are about problems, challenges or topics facing county government

Name: Nancy Nehls Nelson Profession: Retired from AT&T Bell Labs In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am an engaged community advocate that has the experience to have a significant voice on the Buncombe County Commission

Name: Matt Kern Profession: Home Builder and organizer of the French Broad River Festival In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m a small business owner and father of 2 young boys with extensive volunteer experience in