News

Franklin defeats Weber to win County Commission seat

By Bill Moss, Published: November 6, 2024

Sheila Franklin, the longtime Fletcher Town Council member who ousted incumbent County Commissioner Daniel Andreotta in the March 5 primary, defeated Democrat Erik Weber in Tuesday's general election, keeping the Board of Commissioners all-Republican.

Jay Egolf, the current School Board chair who was unopposed Tuesday after defeating incumbent David Hill in the District 5 primary, also will be sworn in to office at the board's Dec. 2 organizational meeting. County commission candidates run from a district but are elected countywide.

A retired teacher, Franklin campaigned against Andreotta on growth management, saying the current board needed to carefully assess whether to approve large developments and prevent development in the floodplain.

"We were already experiencing fairly common flooding issues before" Helene, she said in response to Lightning curvey. "I would not have voted to relax floodplain building restrictions.  We should learn from this storm, and consider studying and possibly implementing higher standards moving forward with new development."

Franklin and Weber occupied much same lane when it came to development, saying that neighbors have rights, too, when zoning applicants ask for higher density permits. Franklin also signaled a willingness to engage with cities on development decisions.

"I would like to work more closely with the municipalities/communities in regards to continued growth," she said.

was a career-tech/STEM teacher at Apple Valley Middle School for 20 years, Franklin declared was National Board-certified. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Mars Hill University. “We love to travel and I enjoy anything having to do with the outdoors, especially if it’s watching our grandsons play ball.  I have a huge interest in our environment, education, and workforce related issues such as housing and improving the quality of life for others. She and her husband have three daughters and six grandchildren.

Erik Weber, 41, works as an environmental protection specialist for Buncombe County, focusing on wastewater and private wells. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in environmental science. President of Fletcher youth baseball and softball, he has coached for over 20 years. He also serves on the county's environmental advisory board and the Fletcher parks and recreation advisory board. He and his wife, Crystal, have three children: Grace (13), Jack (11), and Emma Claire (5). In his free time, Weber enjoys hiking, biking, paddling and live music.

Why are you running for Henderson County Board of Commissioners?

Franklin: I love where we live and I care for the welfare of others.  I am so proud of our county and the people who live here.  It is a law-abiding county where first responders always provide safety and protection for its residents and I think we are very fortunate to be here.  Having said that, if I can do anything that is impactful and intentional, to protect and preserve what we have, to improve the quality of life for residents, I am willing to put forth much effort to achieve those goals. My career has been built around strong values and working hard. 

Weber: I am running for Henderson County commissioner to ensure representation for all people in Henderson County. My focus is to build a community where our children and grandchildren can thrive and choose to stay to raise their families. It’s disheartening to see those raised here being forced to move away, and I believe that’s unacceptable. Together, we can create a future that supports sustainable growth and retains our residents, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community for generations to come.

What are your highest priorities for Henderson County over the next four years?

Weber: If elected, my top priorities will include establishing a strong land development code to slow urban sprawl and protect our beautiful landscape. I will work closely with the school board to increase funding for staff retention and per-student spending, ensuring our children have the best opportunities for success. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with neighboring municipalities to create efficient processes that enhance services while reducing costs for taxpayers. I am also committed to increasing affordable childcare opportunities in our county, helping families thrive and supporting our community’s future.

Franklin: To be fiscally responsible and conservative with the budget, while providing for all first responders, staff, etc. — taking care of those that take care of all of us, without increasing taxes; to use common sense while encouraging growth in a smart way, where infrastructure and services can actually handle it; to provide workforce housing, using innovative, creative housing options that are affordable; to meet the needs of our schools; to maintain partnerships with public schools and Blue Ridge Community College; to do the best we can provide for our students; to encourage and support the projects already adopted by current commissioners without additional costs or burdens to the taxpayers.

Hurricane Helene demonstrated again our vulnerability to widespread flooding from heavy storms — about a year after county commissioners voted 3-2 to relax floodplain building restrictions. Do you think the Board of Commissioners needs to do more through the comp plan and zoning to protect property and people from flooding?

Franklin: We experienced a storm like never before with Hurricane Helene.   I would want residents to think about what specific uses they would be okay with being in some of these floodplains, after what we have all just experienced this last week and a half.  Loss of lives or property is a burden many of us do not want to experience.

Weber: The devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene has been profound, and I am incredibly grateful for our first responders and the entire community for their unwavering support and resilience. While we are still in recovery mode, it's crucial that we take proactive steps moving forward. In the near future, flood maps should be redrawn, and zoning regulations established to protect our residents and infrastructure. With flood plains covering only a small portion of our county, safeguarding these areas is essential to prevent future disasters and ensure the safety of our community.

Do you agree with decisions commissioners made in adopting the comp plan? If not, what would you change?  

Weber: The comprehensive plan has been adopted, but I believe we should have consulted with experts in land planning and engaged with partner organizations, such as the school superintendent, to assess which areas can accommodate more students. As we move into the implementation phase, it’s crucial to involve these organizations, as their expertise can provide valuable insights and guidance. Removing these partnerships limits our ability to make informed decisions that benefit our community. Collaboration is key to ensuring the plan's success and effectively addressing the needs of our residents.

Franklin: At that point, it was time to move on. At the time of the plan approval, I felt like the commissioners were at an impasse.  It is a plan with many moving parts and can be worked on in the coming months.  I would work to revise some of the zoning, as well as study the areas that were marked for growth.   It is very difficult to please everyone, but it is a commissioner’s duty to do the best you can for as many as you can, with what resources the county has.