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Four Seasons Politics

Whitmire endorses Henson in GOP primary

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Senate candidates differ on trail, bond issue

The Lightning asked candidates for the Republican nomination for the 48th Senate District about the $2 billion bond issue for community college and university buildings, water and sewer systems and parks and National Guard facilities; the Ecusta Trail, a proposed 20-mile greenway connecting Hendersonville and Brevard; and goals for the 48th Senate District. Here are answers from the candidates, Lisa Carpenter Baldwin of Fletcher, Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville and Dennis Justice of Fletcher. What is your opinion of the $2 billion bond referendum that will be on the March 15 primary ballot? Baldwin: I believe that the $2 billion bond referendum is essentially a “pork barrel” of pet political projects that will saddle the next generation with debt. It is, essentially, a tax increase, contrary to its portrayal by the website, http://connect.nc.gov/. If university facilities, parks, the zoo and agricultural research are a priority, then these projects should be in the budget. I have two children at NC State University and I see empty classrooms and underutilized buildings on campus. With today’s technology, on-line classes and distance learning, brick and mortar is less important than ensuring we have qualified master teachers. Chuck Edwards: This issue will now be resolved at the polls, and there is no doubt that it contains some pet projects. My two concerns as a legislator are: First, if the people vote “yes” we must have in place the means to ensure the taxpayers’ money is being spent exactly as intended, and efficiently. This vast amount spread over 98 projects has huge potential for sloppy management. Secondly, if the people vote “no” then what is our next plan to build the collegiate infrastructure needed to prepare our citizens for better paying jobs? As far the National Guard and Public Safety portions, I doubt many people would dispute today that we need to better protect ourselves. Dennis Justice: I strongly oppose it. I am the one candidate who speaks with credibility when I say I campaigned against the defeated 1997 school bond referendum, saving taxpayers many $millions. I believe our children’s needs are our problem, not theirs. I therefore oppose long-term debt at any level and propose a state constitutional amendment to limit all future state and local debts to four years, while increasing abilities for local governments to raise revenue without the “overlord mentality” in Raleigh. When current debts are off the books, it will create virtually “pay-as-you-go” government. I also oppose the local sales tax referendum. How do you feel about the Ecusta Trail? Justice: I believe we should finally look into legalizing horse racing as one source of revenue for recreational projects like the Ecusta Trail. Gambling is a recreational activity, tax revenues should be for recreation. We’ll never be able to do this with the lottery (although I think lottery monies should be used to increase teacher pay), but if we legalized horse racing, we should designate 90% of revenues to local governments for recreational projects like soccer fields, parks, greenways, community centers, and certainly the Ecusta Trail. Besides, simply legalizing horse racing would create many more jobs than “corporate welfare” will. Edwards: The unused line, currently owned by WATCO, is theirs to do with as they wish. Our economic developers would prefer to use it to help build industry, but that has been unsuccessful for 15 years. The corridor is an incredible asset for our region. In lieu of rail service, supporting research and working examples of similar projects prove there are enormous economic benefits as a trail. As federal rail banking would preserve the asset for future potential rail service, we have a win-win and there are many funding sources available other than taxes. Public support is growing. If the leaders within our district build consensus to proceed, I will work with them to accomplish their goals. Baldwin: The proposed Ecusta Trail would make use of a former railroad bed; however, the possible $3.7 million price tag just to purchase from Norfolk Southern puts it out of reach. I believe valuable taxpayer dollars should fund core services, not greenways. If the Friends of the Ecusta Trail want to pursue donations and grants, then they should. A volunteer-led effort would be appropriate. My three sons are all Eagle Scouts and have organized multiple volunteer-led efforts that benefit the community. Western North Carolina is blessed with multiple hiking trails; I would question the amount of the ‘economic benefit’ of adding the rail-trail. Specifically what are some 48th District goals (as opposed to statewide issues) you would pursue? Baldwin: I have a proven track record of responding to constituent concerns within 24 hours while on the Buncombe school board. In Buncombe, school board members are elected countywide; I always responded to parent needs regardless of what school district they lived in. Likewise, I will work to actively poll citizens on their concerns in all three counties, as well as attending civic and county commission meetings. I also spend time and money in Henderson and Transylvania Counties’ retail stores. In high school, my daughter was a Pardee Hospital volunteer. My youngest son will be working with the Mountain Horticultural Research Center this summer on his senior project. My two oldest sons spent time at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Center in Rosman, building their own telescopes and then participating in one year research projects with PARI. My husband’s hobby and talent is bagpiping and he has played at events in all three counties. Edwards: Most business and government leaders I speak with are most concerned with the security of our regional economy. Numerous factors go into those concerns. Without a strong economy we simply could not fund our government and our priorities. My background, leadership skills, and prior involvement positions me well to help address these concerns. Education seems to be on the minds of many. I’m anxious to begin work towards meaningful long-term solutions. Transportation infrastructure, particularly as it relates to I-26 and its connectivity is of vital importance to our entire district. Then there’s the ‘total’ tax burden. Even with recent improvements there is so much more to be done to help families and businesses. Justice: The most important day-to-day job of state government is emergency management. I proposed “WNC Dome” as a concrete dome arena at the W.N.C. Agricultural Center, so residents in this district wouldn’t have to go to downtown Asheville’s Civic Center. It’s the most cost-effective way to build an arena, is energy-efficient, and most importantly can be a disaster shelter as it has proven to repel the effects of tornadoes and hurricanes, so FEMA grants are very possible. We could shelter people anywhere from the Carolinas if a major hurricane is coming, for example. It also benefits several majors at Western Carolina University, including Emergency and Disaster Management. This dome concept will be wonderful for a cost-effective gymnasium (on the former car dealer lot) at Hendersonville High School WHEN the sales tax referendum is defeated. I have a track record of researching more efficient means of school construction since the 1997 school bond defeat. These concrete domes also benefit affordable housing, agriculture, and job creation. I also propose massive increases in online education and libraries, and a regional plan for ultra-high-speed-Internet in all rural counties to reduce youth flight.     Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

LIGHTNING EDITORIAL: Greenway IS jobs creator

We’re glad to see that the Ecusta Trail has become an issue that distinguishes candidates in two legislative races in the Henderson County area. It should.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Ferguson says trail 'right tool for the job' on economy

Here is Coty Ferguson's statement on the Ecusta Trail. He is a Republican candidate for the 113th House seat. I have spent a great deal of time engaging voters since announcing my candidacy for the State House, and one question comes up every time, “How do you feel about the Ecusta Trail?” It is a complicated question because at its core it isn’t a question about a bike trail. The real question is, “What will the future of WNC look like?” The manufacturers that once employed people by the thousands are long gone. People are skeptical that a bike trail is the answer to our economic woes, and they have good reason.It is hard to see how a trail produces jobs, there is no product and no employees. Yet, just a few years ago Travelers Rest was on life support; the Swamp Rabbit Trail breathed life into the community. It became a tourism draw and small businesses grew up to take advantage of increased traffic in the area. Travelers Rest knew that they had to do more than build a bike path, they had to invest in a future that would not look at all like the past.A permanent year-round farmers market was built, Furman University was annexed, and incentives were provided to encourage investment. This multi-faceted approach is what we need for our communities. So when people ask, “How is a bike trail going to create jobs?” We should respond that it is merely a piece to the puzzle. The positive impact on communities just like ours rails-to-trails projects have had is undeniable. Which begs the question, why haven’t we done this already?There are a couple of reasons, property rights and industry requiring rail in the future. Rail banking solves both of these issues. Watco, the rail line owner, maintains the property rights and grants usage rights for the trail; in doing so they also reserve the right to resume usage of the line should heavy industry return to the area. Like many folks, I was skeptical, I felt that once a trail was in place rail would never be able to return. In fact, there is a precedent for the resumption of rail activity.Since 1982 when rail banking was first permitted, nine trails have reverted to rail lines. What is more encouraging is the large number of rails-with-trails projects, which serve as both an active rail line and trail. A study of rails-with-trails by the Rails-to-trails Conservancy found that there are 161 rails-with-trails operating in 41 states. This is in addition to the nearly active 2,000 rail trails in the United States.The only remaining question is, “Can we afford it?” I think that a better question is, “Can we afford not to?” The Henderson County Commissioners, the Hendersonville and Brevard City Councils, as well as the towns along the route have endorsed this project. They know that the project comes with a multi-million-dollar price tag, but view the Ecusta Trail as an investment. There are federal and state funds available for rails-to-trails projects, there are also funds available from non-profit groups such as Friends of the Ecusta Trail and the Rails-to-trails Conservancy. New members of our community Oskar Blues,Sierra Nevada, and New Belgium all have a history of donating to these types of projects. Estimates have valued the steel from the rail line at $1.5 million, money which would greatly assist in the building of a trail. There are a wide variety of funding streams available if this is the direction we want to go.The future of manufacturing in the United States will not look like it once did, already, it is much smaller and increasingly specialized; Transylvania County does not have the infrastructure to support heavy industry if it were available. Water and sewage lines need upgraded, capacity must increase, and roads need major work. These issues are show stoppers when recruiting new industry. The economy of the future will be highly diversified. We must continue to leverage our biggest resource, the outdoors, while embracing small scale manufacturing, brewing, and small business.What will our economy look like in the future? There is no doubt in my mind that it will include the Ecusta Trail. Bike shops and other small businesses will appear along the trail. Bike manufacturers will be drawn to the Cycling Capital of the South. Technology firms, who often place a strong emphasis on quality of life for employees, will be drawn to our highly walkable communities and strong schools. The Ecusta Trail is not a silver bullet, but it is a tool in the tool box, and in this case, it is the right tool for the job. As your State Representative I’ll fight to put more tools in our kit, until then, let’s use the tools we have.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

BRCC would receive $3M from bond issue

Blue Ridge Community College would receive almost $3 million if voters approve a $2 billion bond issue for state universities, community colleges, water and sewer systems, parks, agriculture and National Guard facilities.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Republican-turned-Democrat seeks House seat

After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Maureen Copelof faced a dismal job market in a sour economy that critics blamed on Jimmy Carter’s “misery index” — high inflation, high interest rates and high unemployment.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

4 SEASONS POLITICS: GOP breakfast, Henson kickoff

GOP candidates invited to breakfast The Henderson County Republican Party is inviting all candidates on the Republican primary ballot to appear and make short campaign statements during a breakfast at 7:30 on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Fireside Restaurant on Sugarloaf Road.Candidates will be recognized and invited to make a brief campaign speech. For more information call 828-329-4971 or email noirs@aol.com.   Cody Henson kicks off House campaign Cody Henson, a Republican candidate for the 113th state House seat currently held by Rep. Chris Whitmire, will hold his campaign kickoff at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Rogow Room of the Transylvania County Library. Food will be provided and the Carolina Blue Bluegrass Band will perform. Henson, of Rosman, and Coty Ferguson, of Brevard, are seeking the Republican nomination for the House seat that Whitmire is vacating. The Democratic candidate for the seat is Maureen Copelof of Brevard.     Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Baldwin touts conservative credentials in Senate race

Lisa Carpenter Baldwin traces her political inspiration to her fifth great-grandfather from the 18th century.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Lisa Baldwin announces NC Senate campaign

Fiscal and social conservative, Lisa Carpenter Baldwin, has announced that she will run for the Senate District 48 seat previously held by Tom Apodaca.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

UPDATE: Hawkins, Wyatt call it right

Two went with their heart, one went with his head, one went with his wallet and the other one would rather go fishing.   Read Story »

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