Over the last few months, I’ve lost a marriage and a mountain. During the same time, I’ve found a broken-down old house and a post office. I’ve lost the things that grounded me and gave me perspective, but I’ve also found a whole new set of challenges and responsibilities. These things that have happened have … Read more
Exxon Mobil and other giant corporations posted record profits again this quarter. The Dow Jones Index continues to climb to record levels almost every day. Apparently, the oil “shortage” and the war and its carnage and killing are good for the economy. Yet every day, I hear Western North Carolinians say they are finding it … Read more
Local support: Let’s try to buy from each other, help each other out, support local artists etc. A local club, the Orange Peel, has some awesome shows. I have been to many myself, but the one I would like to have seen is sold out. Smashing Pumpkins are coming to the Orange Peel late June/early … Read more
I was heartened to read in your pages recently that certain zoning provisions were upheld—or at least, there was an agreement to look into their merits. Unrestricted building is not good for any community at this time, especially one [known as] the “Cradle of Forestry.” The myth has been promulgated by those who have commercial … Read more
Eamon Martin’s letter titled “Partisan Plot” [Xpress, May 16] is just that—a plot for power over the city of Asheville to be held by fewer people. One only has to read the comments of the City Council members in Brian Postelle’s column, “Votes and Slopes” [“Just the Facts,” May 16] to confirm Martin’s opinion. Brownie … Read more
In reference to the letter from Mr. John Kelleher [“Bureaucracy Still Rules,” May 23], assisting constituents is one of the most important functions of a member of Congress. Congressman Shuler takes this responsibility seriously and has a dedicated staff of caseworkers to assist the people of the 11th District in our district offices. Due to … Read more
What is the purpose of a steep-slope ordinance? Buncombe County’s version concerns public safety, aesthetics and the control of what is perceived as overdevelopment. Asheville’s version embraces all of the above in more detail and, in our opinion, is more restrictive. The state’s version is apparently concerned with public safety and overdevelopment. There is no … Read more
A local campaign to spur Asheville City Council to formally adopt a living-wage policy for city employees gained some ground at Council’s May 22 meeting, but specific proposals to mandate an annual wage increase or to favor conforming private contractors caused concern. It’s a living: Living-wage proponents got some — but not all — of … Read more
Laurie Knowles (left), CCCS Director of Education, with Terri DuBois, who received the 2006 Client of the Year Award. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of WNC (CCCS) is a nonprofit United Way agency dedicated to helping people manage their money and credit better. Since 1973, CCCS has been providing professional and confidential money management counseling, education … Read more
