Editor’s note: Todd Williams (Buncombe County District Attorney) and Steve Cogburn (Buncombe County Clerk of Court) are unopposed this election. For the sake of concise organization Xpress has listed them together in one page.
Todd Williams
Incumbent, Democrat, unopposed
What are your top three priorities for the next term?
1. I created a task force that proposed a precharge program to place opioid users on a fast track toward recovery. I want to initiate that program.
2. I soon hope to forge an agreement with all county police forces to ensure that police misconduct is reported to the DA’s office in a timely manner to preserve and bolster the credibility of the justice system.
3. I want to continue my work to broaden and reform the justice system.
What accomplishment from the current term are you most proud of?
I am most proud to have made the courthouse a place of true justice — not just punishment but also recovery and opportunity. I am proud of our commitment to serve victims better. We created new programs for vulnerable victims such as children in the Child Advocacy Center, and for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in the Family Justice Center. As a former public defender, I am passionate about continuing the work to reform justice in Buncombe County.
Steve Cogburn
Incumbent, Democrat, unopposed
What are your top three priorities for the next term?
1. Electronic filing and digital records. The state is committed to this enhancement, which will expand access to justice.
2. Improve public interaction with the court system. This will go hand in hand with priority 1.
3. Improve jury service notifications with an interactive component to improve ease of communication.
What accomplishment from the current term are you most proud of?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is the commitment to excellence that the women and men of my office demonstrate on a daily basis.
