On the sidewalks of Montford
Last Saturday I participated in the Asheville Z-Link effort to clear and clean sidewalks in Asheville, a project led by City Council member Cecil Bothwell. From the Asheville Z-Link blog:
Some of Asheville’s neighborhoods have wonderful sidewalks. Older areas, developed in the heyday of Asheville’s trolley system, were designed with walkers in mind. In the new era of raised environmental awareness, a national childhood asthma epidemic and expensive gasoline, more and more of us are rethinking our local travel options. Walking and biking are obvious choices.
A common problem with older sidewalks is that poor maintenance has resulted in accumulation of dirt and debris, followed by weeds and exacerbated by the encroachment of shrubs. The City sidewalk ordinance requires that property owners keep public sidewalks across their property clear, but enforcement is a low priority and there are some folks who are physically unable to perform the work. Then too, vacant lots often go untended for years. There are many places where perfectly good walks extend for blocks, only to be obstructed in one short section, rendering them impassable for wheel chairs, baby strollers or those with ambulatory disabilities.
The video below shows how you can join in.
Also be sure to visit the Asheville Z-Link blog for more information.
My picks in the Democratic Primary
As usual, I intend to vote in the Democratic Primary and hope you do too. Of course, all registered Democrats are welcome to do so, but you can also vote in the Dem Primary if you are registered as Unaffiliated.
Remember, early voting has begun and Tuesday, May 4 is Primary Election Day. For more information on voting visit Buncombe County Election Services.
Below are my picks in the Democratic Primary.
NC House of Representatives/District 115: Patsy Keever
Patsy Keever has the intelligence, empathy and experience to serve us well in Raleigh. She has put forward pragmatic, progressive solutions to the critical challenges confronting our region. When elected, Patsy will be a powerful voice for the protection of our environment, support of local businesses and entrepreneurs, equal rights for all our citizens and upgrading the education of our youth. A vote for Patsy is a vote for a community that works for all of us.
U.S. Senate: Cal Cunningham
Personally, I could get behind Cal Cunningham, Elaine Marshall or Ken Lewis. However, I think Cunningham has the best opportunity to beat Republican Senator Richard Burr in November.
U.S. House of Representatives/11th District: Aixa Wilson
I’ve spoken with Aixa Wilson and believe that he is a principled man willing to take on Heath Shuler, an incumbent with lots of money and name recognition. While Wilson has virtually no chance to beat the incumbent, I intend to vote for the challenger to send Shuler a message regarding my disappointment with his numerous votes with the Republicans.
Buncombe County Sheriff: Van Duncan
Van Duncan is a man of honesty, integrity and authenticity. During his first term in office he has moved the Sheriff’s Department toward greater professionalism, accountability and openness. I fully support electing him for another term.
Court of Appeals Judge: Jane Gray
Gray has a sterling record as an attorney and judge and has been endorsed by the Durham People’s Alliance, a grass-roots environmental and social justice group.* Update: Gray has also been endorsed by the Equality NC PAC.
Court of Appeals Judge: Leto Copeley
Copeley seems to be on the right side of the law in terms of standing up for the rights of citizens in the face of the overwhelming power of the state. Copeley has also garnered endorsement from the Durham People’s Alliance.* Update: Copeley has also been endorsed by the Equality NC PAC.
Superior Court Judge/District 28: Marvin Pope
Pope has a great reputation and experience as a criminal defense attorney. In a world where most judges are former prosecutors, we need more judges who have been on the other side of criminal cases, to understand that there really are two sides to every story.*
Let’s all get out and vote right now during early voting or on May 4!
* From Cecil Bothwell’s picks in the judges’ races in the Democratic Primary
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010PARC Candidate Forum Today!
Please join PARC for a Candidate’s Forum today, Tuesday, April 13th, 7PM.
PARC (People Advocating Real Conservancy) and MVA (Mountain Voices Alliance) will host Patsy Keever and Bruce Goforth, Democratic candidates for the NC House 115 District Seat. This is an interesting election. Keever and GoForth differ on many land use issues that affect all of us, like steep slope development. Did you know that…
- There is no landslide insurance in NC! If your house is damaged or lost to a slide, you are not covered.
- Builders, developers and realtors are not required to warn buyers of the potential dangers of landslides – and they cannot be held liable for concealing this information if one occurs.
- Land, mud and rockslides are increasing in WNC, costing millions in tax dollars for repairs. In the last six months, land, mud and rockslides in WNC and east Tennessee have destroyed parts of three major highways, and damaged at least five
- In the aftermath of Hurricanes Ivan and Frances, 140 landslides occurred, destroying 27 homes and killing 5 people.
There are people whose homes have been condemned because of damage from land, mud, and rockslides who cannot return to these homes… but they’re STILL making mortgage payments!
This is just one of many issues to discuss with Keever and Goforth. Please come out and hear what they have to say.
The primary election takes place May 4th, and early voting begins April 15th. We know that many of you have questions for Patsy Keever and Bruce Goforth. Please email them to us at info@ashevilleparc.org. Call Elaine at 273-1781 for more info about the Forum.
Come join the fun on Tuesday April 13th, from 7-9PM. Doors open at 6:30.
LOCATION
The UU Church in Black Mountain
500 Montreat Road
Black Mountain, NC 28711
DIRECTIONS
Take I-40 East of Asheville, to Exit 64 (Black Mountain).
Go left at the end of the exit, and go north on Route 9.
The UU Church will be on your right in about a mile.
