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Four Seasons Politics

Moss column: The 'no grow' movement is winning

Laurel Park Four Seasons Politics

NIMBY NATION: County has colorful history of citizen uprisings

When he started his unlikely fight against a gigantic project to build 14 dams on tributaries of the French Broad River, Jere Brittain knew the odds were stacked against him.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Edwards apppointed to judicial redistricting panel

Senate Leader Phil Berger has appointed state Sen. Chuck Edwards to a committee looking at redrawing judicial districts across the state. Berger announced the creation of the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Reform and Redistricting on Tuesday, Along with Edwards, R-Hendersonville, appointees included Sen. Terry Van Duyn, D-Asheville. Others were Sen. Dan Bishop, Co-Chair; Sen. Warren Daniel, Co-Chair; Sen. Bill Rabon, Co-Chair; Sen. Dan Barrett, Sen. Dan Blue, Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, Sen. Joel Ford, Sen. Ralph Hise, Sen. Floyd McKissick, Sen. Wesley Meredith, Sen. Paul Newton, Sen. Shirley Randleman and Sen. Norm Sanderson. “After 60 years of haphazard and sometimes contradictory changes to our judicial system, I hope our state can have a thoughtful dialogue on how to modernize, reform and strengthen it in the coming months," Berger, R-Rockingham, said in a news release. "The judiciary touches every North Carolinian, so the conversation needs to include Republicans and Democrats, judges, legislators, district attorneys, clerks of court, executive branch officials, men and women of all races, and, yes, even lawyers. "This committee will carefully consider all options on how we select judges including the House’s judicial redistricting bill, merit selection models, retention elections, and, if we maintain a system of elections, their frequency and partisan structure. I sincerely hope the committee reaches a consensus recommendation that will modernize and strengthen our courts." A House bill on judicial redistricting left the districts alone in Henderson County. "H 717 will not change the maps governing the judicial district that includes Henderson County," Rep. Chuck McGrady said in a newsletter this week. "Its only effect will be to add one district court judge slot and one assistant district attorney slot, both of these changes reflecting the caseload for the judicial district that includes Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties."   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Tommy Thompson to retire after 40 years of serving Henderson County

Thomas H. "Tommy" Thompson, who served 32 years as Henderson County Clerk of Superior Court and two more terms on the Board of Commissioners, will not run for re-election, he announced Monday.   Read Story »

Mills River Four Seasons Politics

MILLS RIVER Q&A: Candidates tackle NC 191, police contract

MILLS RIVER — Mills River wins the distinction for having the most competitive election of all of Henderson County’s towns in 2017.   Read Story »

Fletcher Four Seasons Politics

FLETCHER Q&A: Whiteside challenges Mayor Moore

FLETCHER — In Fletcher, Rod Whiteside, 44, who works in risk management and serves as an interim pastor, is challenging Bill Moore, 73, a retired car salesman who is seeking a fifth term as mayor.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Four Seasons Politics

Candidates field questions on water, greenways, 7th Avenue

Candidates for the Hendersonville City Council are unanimous in their opposition to efforts by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners to encroach on the city’s independent authority over its water system.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Four Seasons Politics

20-year-old City Council candidate announces write-in campaign

John Moore, the 20-year-old community college student who has appealed an Elections Board ruling that he's too young to run for office, has launched a write-in campaign for a seat on the Hendersonville City Council. After the county Board of Elections ruled on July 20 that state law requires candidates for office to be at least 21 years old, Moore appealed to the courts. It's up to the state Supreme Court to resolve a conflict in state law, which says a qualified voter who is 21 years old "shall be eligible for election" to office, and Hendersonville's charter, which says only that candidates for mayor and council "must be a resident and a qualified voter of the City." Moore says state law tilts in his favor. When state law and city charter conflict, "the charter procedure shall control," the general statute says. Because a legal fight between Gov. Roy Coopeer and the General Assembly has left the state Elections Board with no appointed members, Moore's relief was at the state Supreme Court only. He is represented by John Noor, of Roberts Stevens in Asheville. The North Carolina Supreme Court could rule on his petition on Nov. 3, Moore said, five days before the general election. Early one-stop voting in the municipal elections started on Thursday.     Read Story »

Saluda Four Seasons Politics

SAMPLE BALLOTS: One-stop voting opens today

One-stop voting for the 2017 municipal elections opened Thursday and continues through Saturday, Nov. 4. The Board of Elections at 75 East Central Street (off Spartanburg Highway behind O'Reilly Auto Parts) is the only early voting site. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20 and Oct. 23-27 and Oct. 30-Nov. 3 and 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Griffin to run for County Commission

Tim Griffin, who ran a close race for the Henderson County Board of Commissioners four years ago, announced Monday that he will run again in 2018. "I feel strongly that better communication and cooperation is a necessity between Henderson County and all the municipalities within," Griffin said in a news release. "We need to provide for the proper infrastructure to attract the industries that will allow for agriculture to flourish. We need to support the school board and continue to provide the highest quality of education possible for our students. We have to pursue avenues for affordable housing to make it affordable for families to remain in Henderson County. Our budget needs to remain revenue neutral for the foreseeable future with budgeting concerns being approached in a conservative manner." He will run for the Republican nomination for the District 4 seat currently held by Tommy Thompson. "I prefer not to make a commitment one way or the other right now" on his plans, he said. Here is Griffin's announcement: I have called Henderson County home for 52 years. I have fond memories of growing up in Henderson County as I witnessed the county itself grow. I am a graduate of East Henderson High School and attended Western Carolina University. I have completed extensive training and education in the public service sector.During my early teens my parents instilled in me the values of serving and giving back to society. I entered the fire and rescue service over 34 years ago and have served as a firefighter, both volunteer and career, for over 34 years. Basically I have based my entire life on public service and assisting the people of Henderson County. I retired from law enforcement in Henderson County after 30 years of service. I currently hold the positions of reserve police officer with the City of Hendersonville, assistant chief as well as sitting member of the board of directors of Dana Fire and Rescue, and currently am employed full time as a firefighter/engineer with Etowah Fire and Rescue.Faith is an important part of my life. I attend The Bridge Church where I also serve on the Board of Trustees. For many years I have enjoyed raising money to benefit causes that have touched my heart which include the Special Olympics and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.I am married to the tremendous and supportive Paula Caulder Griffin and the proud father of two daughters, Jordan McCarson and Lindsey Griffin. Raising a family in Henderson County has been an extraordinary experience for me. I have been asked by many people to seek the position of commissioner and one of the reasons that I have accepted the challenge is to ensure that the quality of life in Henderson County remains an exceptional place for other families to grow and thrive. As a commissioner I will endeavor to be your voice for the community concerning issues such as education, agriculture, and emergency services. Anyone that knows me realizes that I have never met a stranger and am willing to discuss ideas with anyone. I feel that a commissioner shoulders the responsibility of listening to and acting in the best interests of the citizens of Henderson County. My door will remain open to your concerns.I look forward to hearing your questions and concerns as we move forward. We will be providing more information as we move forward through a website and Facebook page that will be released soon.Thank You For Your Support.       Read Story »

Four Seasons Politics Archive