Asheville City Council Election Heats Up with Six Candidates
Asheville, N.C. is buzzing with excitement as voters prepare for the upcoming city council election this November. A total of six candidates are vying for three available seats, making this a hot topic around town. The Asheville City Council consists of a seven-member board that includes a mayor and six council members, all elected for staggered four-year terms. As election day draws near, it’s a fantastic opportunity for locals to familiarize themselves with the candidates and their goals for the city.
Incumbents Seek Re-election, New Faces Set to Enter the Race
Among the candidates currently in the running, incumbents Kim Roney and Sage Turner are aiming to secure another term on the council. Roney, a small business owner and music educator, has been on the council since 2020. Her priorities center around affordability, public safety, and climate and neighborhood resiliency. Turner, who also joined the council in 2020, brings his experience as a finance and project manager to the table. His main focus areas include housing, community safety, and ensuring basic city services and infrastructure meet residents’ needs.
On the flip side, Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore, who currently holds one of the seats up for grabs, has announced she will not seek re-election, opening the door for fresh candidates. The competition includes four new hopefuls who are eager to share their visions for the city.
Meet the New Candidates
First up is CJ Domingo, an operations supervisor at Loomis. Domingo emphasizes the importance of robust infrastructure and is passionate about addressing the basic needs of the community, such as fire, police, and medical services. He believes in investing in the community by incentivizing employers to create career opportunities for locals and insists on the necessity of transparency and accountability in city affairs.
Then we have Kavan Frazier, the Executive Director of Western Carolina University’s programs in Asheville and a small business owner as well. His core priorities include responsive leadership, creating meaningful work opportunities for residents, ensuring a reasonable cost of living, and advocating for environmental stewardship.
Bo Hess, a clinical social worker and addiction specialist, enters the race focusing on critical issues like economic security, mental health, substance abuse care, infrastructure, and solutions addressing crime and safety.
Another candidate is Tod Leaven, a veterans law attorney. He champions causes such as public safety, affordable housing, public transportation, sustainability in water supply and accessibility, as well as preserving the city’s parks. His emphasis on a living wage for city employees underscores his commitment to the workforce and community.
Community Engagement and Voter Impact
As we look towards the election, the role of unaffiliated voters could be pivotal in determining the outcome in this battleground state. With election day fast approaching, community engagement has never been more crucial. Residents are encouraged to dive into the candidates’ platforms and take an active role in shaping the future of Asheville.
The elected candidates will join forces with current council members, including Mayor Esther Manheimer, Antanette Mosley, Sheneika Smith, and Maggie Ullman, to lead Asheville in the coming years.
Conclusion
With such a diverse array of candidates and priorities, it’s clear that this election is an opportunity for Asheville residents to voice their opinions and help steer local governance. Mark your calendars and make sure to cast your vote!
