I recently became aware that the local Progress Energy power plant in Arden has two ponds for coal-ash storage that are not lined! Testing of the wells in the area indicate that pollution from these ponds is leaching into the groundwater, and likely making its way down to the nearby French Broad River. I am … Read more
An extraordinary family is celebrating the 43rd year of the Bannerman Family Thanksgiving Dance Camp: four full days of clogging, puppet shows, live music, fellowship and more. It is the only camp of its kind. I married into this family, and for the past four years I have been attending this annual camp, a truly … Read more
What better time for adults to convey the legacy of good citizenship to their children than a presidential election year? And what better way than by taking them to the polls when they vote? And the kids get to vote too. Kids Voting Buncombe County voting booths are in all 18 One Stop polling locations … Read more
This year, voting, particularly in local elections, is more important than ever. Under the current North Carolina General Assembly we have seen an unprecedented assault on the progressive values that I believe have made this state great — and why I call it home. This is the legislature that defunded Planned Parenthood, passed Amendment One, … Read more
Editor’s note: This is the fifth installment of Jerry Sternberg’s continuing “Life in Seely’s Castle” saga. The earlier pieces are available on the Xpress website or at www.gospeljerry.com (which also contains additional photos of the castle and its furnishings). Fred Seely, a teetotaler, would have turned over in his grave if he’d known that I … Read more
As we head toward the 2012 election, I would like to say a few words about a wonderful candidate running for register of deeds. This is a very important, but often forgotten, position. The register of deeds is charged with making sure deeds and mortgages and vital records (births, deaths and marriages) are properly indexed … Read more
It is telling that the Asheville Citizen-Times chose not to lend its support to the incumbent in the register of deeds race, though the publication heartily endorsed him just 18 months ago. Reisinger was appointed to the position because he previously worked in a couple of campaigns. He has not held a job in the … Read more
I met Pat Cothran, candidate for Buncombe County register of deeds, in the late 1980s. As a real estate paralegal, I research public records to obtain title insurance for clients. I was most impressed with the title company Pat Cothran managed. When title problems arose, Pat was the one person I called who was always … Read more
It’s always amusing to hear Drew Reisinger put his own spin on the budget numbers from the register of deeds office. His latest claim is that the office “spent $600,000 less in fiscal year 2012 than in FY11,” but he conveniently omits the reason for that decrease. As reported in the Mountain Xpress on March … Read more
I am writing in support of Drew Reisinger for the register of deeds. In two short years, Drew has used the power of the office to ensure equality and inclusion for all the citizens of Buncombe County in numerous ways. When children are born in Buncombe County, it is the responsibility of the register of … Read more
