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

[This candidate response contains violent transphobia. While the Blade does not weigh in on how individuals should vote, we are completely against bigotry from any candidate of any stripe or party. Blatant prejudice has no place here or anywhere else.] Name: Jordan Burchette Profession: Manager at Best Buy Metals in

Despite a GOP tide, Buncombe sees Democratic upsets and major changes to the local political landscape. Here’s what it means. Above: An election worker brings a data card containing a precinct’s results into the Buncombe County Board of Elections late Nov. 4. Photo by Bill Rhodes. The polls close and from around the