Local Democrats gather to vote on a new Buncombe County commissioner in a ‘basement election,’ with civil rights activist and former banker Al Whitesides emerging as the first African-American commissioner Above: Al Whitesides receives applause from Democratic Party members during the Dec. 5 ‘basement election,’ where the party chose a

Housing, inequity, the powers of county staff, HB2, education, development and more in our questionnaires for the candidates for the Buncombe County chair and commissioner seats Above: the Buncombe County Courthouse  Welcome back, readers. We’re in the middle of early voting right now. Today you can vote at eight locations

Name: David King Profession: Ferrier In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Proud Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I believe county government and elected officials have a responsibility to serve every citizen of Buncombe County, not a political agenda, which is why I

Name: Nancy Nehls Nelson Profession: Retired AT&T Bell Labs Project Manager 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 be a significant voice on the Buncombe County

Name: Ed Hay Profession: Attorney In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m running because county government faces new challenges in funding education, creating jobs, and adequately planning for future growth. I want to be part of the

Name: Brownie Newman Profession: Partner, Headwaters Solar In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am running to support our public schools and teachers, protect our mountain communities and to make sure Buncombe County remains a great

Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 20. Here’s what you need to know and some handy tools to help you at the polls Above: An early voting sticker, a wonderful thing you’ll be able to get starting Thursday. You don’t need ID — A federal court struck down the state’s former voting

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.