Day: October 12, 2010
Slip-sliding away
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Oct. 5 meeting Public hearing on state community-assistance grant Oct. 30 named Kids Voting Day After years of controversy and delays, the Buncombe County commissioners unanimously approved tougher regulations governing steep-slope development at their Oct. 5 session. Supporters said the new zoning ordinances will help preserve mountain views and reduce … Read more
Casing the joint
The Buncombe County district attorney oversees a growing court system with a big caseload. The holder of this office has considerable power over how individual cases are handled, whether plea bargains are made, and how crimes are punished (or not) by the court system. For 20 years, Democrat Ron Moore has been top gun at … Read more
Star of Buncombe
Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, a Democrat, is fighting off a challenge from Republican Dickie Green. A self-proclaimed “conservative constitutionalist” who's been endorsed by the local tea party, Green has waged an aggressive campaign to cast the incumbent as fiscally irresponsible, citing an $8.5 million increase in the office's budget under Duncan. "That's unacceptable in … Read more
Small Bites
Back away from the pumpkin-spice latte I'm noticing an autumnal trend. People cannot stop talking about pumpkin-spice lattes. Most people, I'm sad to say, seem obsessed with the frothy Starbucks variation. I looked it up for you, folks. I’m sure you already know it's really not that good for you. But listen: One grande pumpkin-spice … Read more
Do your scientific homework
The column in a recent Mountain Xpress about Progress Energy's dust storage from coal-burning raises a number of interesting points [”When the Dust Settles,” Sept. 29] notes that scrubbers at the facility removed 93 percent of combustion products, so the issue evidently bears on the storage of some remaining residue, approximately seven percent. Were scrubbers … Read more
Support the sustainability proposal
I write in support of the sustainability proposal that is up for a vote by the members of Asheville's City Council. It is my hope and expectation that it will pass unanimously so that it can begin benefiting our entire community. This sustainability proposal is a monumental, long-in-the-works document. The proposal marks the first time … Read more
Sustainability: Let’s do this, Asheville!
I believe Asheville needs to actually make a commitment to Affordable Housing and Sustainable Building practices. The proposed Sustainability Bonus will finally align our walk with our talk. I work in Asheville, and I would like to be able to afford to live here. Global Climate Change is upon us, and I would like to … Read more
Sick and tired of attack ads
I am so tired of advertisements that slander the opposing candidate. Don't the hopefuls have enough qualifications (or are they just not able to stand on their own record) to be elected without the mudslinging? I will vote for the candidate that has the moral fiber not to resort to name-calling and slander. How did … Read more
Old Europe and Melinda’s smile
I am so glad to hear that Old Europe is back; I truly missed it. It has always been my favorite little place to go have coffee and eat a delicious pastry and hang out with friends. I am excited the coffee shop back. That it now being run by an independent lady inspires me … Read more
