Exciting Debate Kicks Off Buncombe County Commission Chair Race in Asheville
Asheville, NC – The buzz was palpable at the Asheville Country Club on September 25, where a dynamic debate took center stage as part of the Leadership Asheville Forum’s series of Critical Issues luncheons. The highlight of the event was the spirited exchange between two candidates vying for the Buncombe County Commission Chair position: Amanda Edwards and Van Duncan. Attended by over 45 eager locals, folks were keen to get a glimpse into the candidates’ platforms, experiences, and visions for the future of Buncombe County.
Setting the Stage for Local Elections
In his opening remarks, John Ellis, the moderator for the afternoon, emphasized the significance of the upcoming election. He pointed out that North Carolina is often seen as a battleground state, which makes every vote critical. “While national headlines grab our attention, it’s our local officials who are really making waves and impacting our daily lives,” he said.
Van Duncan: A Sheriff’s Perspective
Taking the floor first was Van Duncan, who impressed attendees with his track record as a three-term sheriff of Buncombe County. He shared proudly, “During my time, we reduced the crime rate by an astonishing 30%.” Having transitioned to a police investigator role with the Biltmore Company, Duncan didn’t shy away from highlighting his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the unhoused community in Buncombe, particularly the estimated 600 unhoused children. He proposed a housing-first solution to tackle these issues, stressing that needs should be recognized as diverse and varied.
As for funding these initiatives, Duncan suggested leveraging opioid settlement money, avoiding the use of taxpayer dollars. He also voiced concerns over an impending $28.5 million budget shortfall, urging a slowdown in spending to more effectively manage county resources.
Amanda Edwards: A Vision for Leadership
Next up, Amanda Edwards presented her background and leadership philosophy. Claiming years of nonpartisan experience, she highlighted her role as a current county commissioner and her directorship at the A-B Tech Foundation. “I first ran in 2018 during a challenging time for our county, and I vowed to lead us through those dark days,” she reflected. Edwards conveyed her commitment to four pivotal areas: economy, education, environment, and emergency services.
Addressing Controversies
The discussion turned to allegations surrounding Duncan’s acceptance of a retention bonus during his tenure as sheriff. Ellis urged both candidates to clarify their positions. Edwards pointed out, “He was the only elected official to accept such a bonus.” Duncan clarified, stating he signed up for a retirement incentive and underwent a thorough investigation without any findings against him, extending an invitation for attendees to review his personnel file if they wished.
Navigating Relations with Raleigh
As the conversation advanced, Ellis quizzed both candidates on Buncombe County’s current relationship with Raleigh. Duncan described it as “very good,” yet acknowledged the challenges of representing a progressive county amid a largely conservative state landscape. Edwards responded by reminding everyone of her bipartisan collaboration efforts and defended the decision to hire a lobbyist to advocate for Buncombe’s interests in Raleigh, noting, “We can’t be effective county commissioners without being active at the state level.”
Audience Engagement and Final Thoughts
Opening the floor to questions from attendees covered a range of topics, including campaign financing, environmental concerns, and election security. As the forum came to a close, both candidates had a chance to pose questions to each other. Duncan asked Edwards about the possibility of an independent investigation into allegations within the tax assessor’s office, to which Edwards responded that details were sensitive due to ongoing HR processes.
Edwards turned the tables, asking Duncan about his previous support for North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, especially in light of recent controversial comments. Duncan noted that while he once supported Robinson due to a compelling speech, he distanced himself from the candidate after those remarks emerged.
A Civil and Engaging Discussion
As attendees began to depart, Buck Bragg expressed his appreciation, commenting on the civility of the discussion. “It’s refreshing, especially compared to what we see on national stages. These candidates are quite aligned on many issues, so it’s going to be tough to choose,” he remarked thoughtfully.
Due to impacts from Hurricane Helene, the previously scheduled October Leadership Asheville Forum has been canceled, but the series is set to resume in November, keeping the community engaged in the important conversations that shape Buncombe County.
