Flavor: Pan-Indian Ambiance: Classy and sensual Service: Knowledgeable Mela is a Hindi word for a coming together, especially for a celebration. By the looks of it, Asheville’s newest Indian restaurant is living up to its name quite nicely, and the celebration is quite picture-perfect. A drive down Lexington Avenue often reveals a gaggle of smartly … Read more
Robin Cape Age: 48Residence: North AshevilleOccupation: musicianYears in Asheville: 17Education: studied art & literature at UNCA and UNC-Chapel HillPolitical party: DemocratPolitical experience: Woodfin Water Board since 2003 1. Should the city or a regional authority own the water system? “The city.” 2. Do you agree with the decision to hold closed meetings concerning the Water … Read more
As the new tunnel through Beaucatcher Mountain neared completion in 1928, the prospect of expanding eastward toward Black Mountain excited local business leaders — especially the Board of Trade, whose mission was to promote Asheville’s image as a modern, progressive, “New South” city. Yet the growth that followed the tunnel’s opening — and, more than … Read more
Turn the page on Asheville government It is time for a new chapter in America and in Asheville, for we have defined ourselves individually and collectively too narrowly — we are more than economic cogs in a giant machine. The economic world has always tended toward flatness. Whether it was the textile industry in Great … Read more
Charles Worley Age: 60Residence: North AshevilleOccupation: AttorneyYears in Asheville: About 60Education: B.A. in political science and law degree (both UNC-Chapel Hill)Political party: DemocratPolitical experience: One term as mayor plus three terms on City Council 1. Should the city or a regional authority own the water system? “It should be a city-owned system.” 2. Do you … Read more
Keith Thomson Age: 45Residence: near UNCAOccupation: Computer-network-systems engineer, small-business ownerYears in Asheville: Since 1981, except to attend school in Chapel HillEducation: B.A. (UNCA), M.A. (UNC-Chapel Hill)Political party: DemocratPolitical experience: Asheville City Schools (Budget Advisory Committee, Innovation Task Force, PTO president); Children First of Buncombe County; Asheville-Buncombe Clean Air Community Trust; YMI Cultural Center; Citizens for … Read more
Selina Sullivan Age: 38Residence: Central AshevilleOccupation: Public relations/community development director, WLFA 91.3Years in Asheville: 29 (most recently since 2000)Education: B.S. in business administration/management (Shaw University), some graduate courses (WCU)Political party: DemocratPolitical experience: Vice chair, Planning & Zoning Commission; lobbied state legislators re education/retraining funding; vice president, N.C. Women Work 1. Should the city or a … Read more
Chris Pelly Age: 48Residence: Haw CreekOccupation: Real-estate brokerYears in Asheville: 15Education: Arizona State UniversityPolitical party: DemocratPolitical experience: Ran for City Council 2003; president, Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods 2004 to present; president, Haw Creek Community Association, 1995 to 2004 1. Should the city or a regional authority own the water system? “City-owned. City ownership provides an … Read more
Carl Mumpower Age: 52Residence: Town MountainOccupation: PsychologistYears in Asheville: Most of my lifeEducation: M.A. in education (Western Carolina University), M.S.W. (University of Georgia), Ph.D. in psychology (Union Institute)Political party: RepublicanPolitical experience: Four years on City Council, two as vice mayor 1. Should the city or a regional authority own the water system? “Almost every city … Read more
Holly Jones Age: 43Residence: Montford HillsOccupation: Executive director, YWCA of AshevilleYears in Asheville: 9Education: B.A. in public-policy analysis (UNC-Chapel Hill), master’s in divinity (Duke University), master’s in public health (Chapel Hill)Political party: DemocratPolitical experience: Four years on City Council, community-based organizing for housing, children and health care 1. Should the city or a regional authority … Read more
