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

The voter ID mess, court battles and rapidly-changing legislation have left voters — especially new voters — with a lot of questions. Here’s what to know as you go to the polls Early voting for the March 15 primary started today. While the ongoing court battle about congressional boundaries still

After Charlotte passes extensive LGBT protections, it’s a matter of question if Asheville City Council will do the same in the near future Above: A pride flag flies from City Hall in 2014 after a federal court struck down the state’s ban on equal marriage. Photo by Max Cooper. On Monday

With several competitive primaries for the key county commissioner races, we’re seeking your ideas about what to ask the candidates Hello readers, it’s that time again. With a major primary election coming up, the Blade‘s hard at work crafting questions for candidates all across the county. Specifically, we’re looking to

The future of Asheville’s downtown is in the balance. It’s time to have a much broader discussion about what that future should look like Above: downtown Asheville by night. Photo by Max Cooper Downtown Asheville never really leaves the news. It’s not just the seat of government or the location

What’s the big deal about the I-26 project? It’s huge, incredibly controversial and could have major impacts — perhaps devastating ones – on Asheville for decades to come Above: This postcard of the Smokey Park Bridge from the 1960s shows sidewalks on both sides of the bridge with connections on the