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⚡️ VOTER GUIDE: House District 117 Q&A

Henderson County Politics

⚡️ VOTER GUIDE: Senate District 48 Q&A

Candidates for Senate District 48 are Democrat Norm Bossert, 67, of Pisgah Forest, and Republican Chuck Edwards, 57, of Flat Rock, the incumbent.   Why are you running for the North Carolina Legislature? Bossert: A few elections ago, I started to become concerned with the morale of the teachers who worked with me at Black Mountain Elementary. I’ll address some of those concerns in a later question. I saw families struggling without health care. Hard working parents working several jobs were unable to keep afloat financially. Homelessness and unchanging free / reduced lunch percentages spoke volumes of an economy that was leaving too many behind. More recently, I was disturbed by a legislature that cuts the budget of our Attorney General and works to consolidate power in themselves, subverting our tri-cameral checks and balances. I was upset by legislative leadership that failed to be transparent and above board. Edwards: More than ever we need representation that employees compassionate listening, with a broad set of skills and experiences. We need a Senator that understands the requirements for a strong economy, and that it is that economy that enables us to provide for families and fund necessary government services like an education system that effectively serves children. We need a Senator that has the ability, and the courage to seek out wasteful spending, that will insist on government efficiency, and that will challenge the status quo. As a small businessman with a history of community service I have demonstrated these abilities.   There are six constitutional amendments on the ballot. Which ones do you favor and which ones do you oppose and why?   Edwards: The beauty of our legislative process is that our citizens will decide on the terms under which we will be governed. I supported each bill that enabled these amendments to be on the ballot, and I will vote for them each. Voter Photo ID will give our citizens confidence in the integrity of our elections that we are currently lacking. A Bipartisan Board of Ethics and Elections will help ensure a fairness that is missing if either party can control its make-up. I believe crime victims deserve the right to receive notice of their hearings, and their opinion should be considered in plea deals and sentencing. Hunting and Fishing have been fundamental means by which we provided for our families and that heritage should be preserved. Future legislatures should know through the income tax cap that the pockets of taxpayers are not unlimited. I believe that Judicial Vacancies should be filled by a broader body than by one person. I hope that everyone will take the time to evaluate each proposed amendment on its own merits instead of succumbing to the advertising and influence to vote for or against all six. For a more thorough summary of why I supported the legislation that created these amendments, voters can visit NC48.com/6. Bossert: I favor none of the proposed constitutional amendments. Not one of them has any of the ‘laws’ that will have to be written to underpin them. In other words, legislative leadership wants to have a blank check from the people. What sort of ID have they in mind for voting? What about the oystermen working the east coast? Victim’s rights? If they are concerned about that, mightn’t leadership undercut North Carolina’s already incredibly strong victim rights laws? They even want a lame duck session to write laws to underpin their amendments, without transparency and accountability. They may be doing so against the will of the majority of our citizens!   Are you in favor of or opposed to expanding Medicaid in North Carolina to provide health care to more people? Why? Bossert: I am in favor of expanding Medicaid. By so doing we would be returning $2,000,000,000 a year to our revenue stream. We would create 23,000 good paying jobs. We would reinvigorate our rural health care facilities. Most important of all, we would be able to provide health care to up to 500,000 of our neighbors living in poverty. Doing so would save lives. Doing so would make it possible for people to get care outside of the emergency room – for which we all pay, raising the cost of health insurance. Edwards: I agree we should help care for those who indeed cannot help themselves. This Obamacare “add-on” doesn’t accomplish this goal. 82% of new enrollees would be single, able-bodied adults. NC now provides care for our most vulnerable; children, single parents, elderly, and disabled. Since my election we’ve added 179,000 more citizens to state-funded plans- bringing the total number served to 2.2 million. This means 20% of our population is already covered by a taxpayer-funded plan. I supported budgets that added $917 million for needs over and beyond Medicaid without accepting the baited, one size fits all, inflexible federal option.   The Republican leadership of the Legislature touts its record on teacher pay and smaller class sizes. “The average base salary for a teacher in North Carolina increased by $8,700, or nearly 20 percent, since the 2014 school year,” Senate leader Phil Berger said on Aug. 30. “More than 40,000 teachers – close to half of all public school teachers in the state – will have received at least a $10,000 pay raise by the 2018-19 school year. In fact, over a 30-year career, a teacher will earn $237,200 more on the 2018-19 salary schedule than he or she would have earned under the old Democrat plan.” Is the record Berger cites deserving of voters’ endorsement? Why or why not? Edwards: Our substantial increased spending on public education is indisputable. But I don’t believe we should keep score by how much money can we spend. The meaningful endorsement comes from parents who have a child in school, and how they feel about that child’s preparation, cradle to career. For this, one need not look further than Henderson County public schools. Under the same funding formula used statewide, these remarkable teachers, principals, administrators, volunteers, and support staff are continually recognized for exemplary achievements. I hope to help make their jobs easier by reducing testing and bureaucracy, and with adequate, transparent funding.   Bossert: There are their facts, our facts, true facts, fake facts and then there is Phil Berger. Teachers used to get longevity pay . . . gone. They used to be paid for advanced degrees . . . gone. They used to be able to earn annual raises with a ladder that encouraged educators to call teaching a career. Today, at year 15, teachers are pretty much making all they are ever going to get. In fact, from year 25 to 30 there are no longer raises. There is talk that pensions are going away. Health care for retirees is already on the ropes. In short, it has become increasingly difficult for our state to attract people to the profession. Berger doesn’t get it! Of course I am running against someone else. What specifically are your highest priorities in the Legislature for serving your district? Bossert: In canvassing, I have learned that my priorities aren’t dissimilar from many of the people I meet. But one of their biggest priorities has nothing to do with legislation at all. People are sick to death of the animosity and anger. They are sick of the lack of transparency in government. They want to know that regardless of party affiliation, their representatives will speak with each other and conduct the business of government in an open fashion. My highest priority will be to renew trust in one another and build good working relationships with my colleagues. I will be transparent and will hold regular Town Halls. Edwards: The things citizens constantly tell me that are important to them are; a strong economy, good jobs, Pre-K to 12 then post education, protecting tax dollars and using them wisely, and keeping us safe. I intend to keep NC a leading business-friendly state so employers want to be here, earning us an economy that presents job opportunities, and generates a strong tax base. I intend to work with experts to improve our educational systems. I will insist on government spending efficiency. I will continue to support our law enforcement and first responders- and I will continually review school safety measures.   What other major priorities do you have for your district and the state? Edwards: In addition to the priorities I just mentioned, one of the biggest issues our district faces is to determine how we spend highway dollars that we now get from Raleigh. For decades Henderson County did not get our fair share. Now that we have a reliable highway funding stream we must improve on the STIP process to get more public input earlier in the planning process. Case in point- we spent $1mm before deciding against the Balfour Parkway. I invite everyone to learn more about me, our priorities, my record, and to stay abreast of issues at chuckedwardsnc.com. Bossert: I will work to fully fund our children and the schools they attend. Another priority will be to work with my colleagues to expand Medicaid. I want to increase the minimum wage and work with communities and colleagues to establish a living wage. I want to restore funding to our Attorney General’s office in order to expedite the delivery of justice in North Carolina. Other priorities would be to restore funding of the Department of Environmental Quality and help them to have real ‘teeth’ in dealing with pollution.   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

County's polling site was busiest in state on opening day of early voting

The Henderson County Elections Board office was the busiest polling site in the state as one-stop voting opened on Wednesday. The site had 1,845 voters on Wednesday, the most of any site across the state, according to Vote Tracker site run by the Civitas Institute. Part of the reason is the drop in the number of site. Henderson County has dropped one-stop sites in Etowah, Flat Rock and Edneyville, concentrating all the early voters at a single polling place. Even so, the numbers suggested a strong start for the early voting. In 2014, the last mid-term election, 16,997 Henderson County residents voted early. Voting was steady on Thursday but not quite as busy as opening day, with 799 voters 12:47 p.m., said Elections Director Beverly Cunningham. Statewide, Democrats had turned out so far in much larger numbers; 64,258 Democrats voted on Wednesday, topping 45,067 Republicans, 39,151 unaffiliated voters and 333 Libertarians. Voting at the Elections Board off Spartanburg Highway is busiest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. "I recommend they come from 7 to 10 (in the morning) and 3 to 7" in the afternoon, Cunningham said. Ann B'Rells, a Democratic activist handing out palm cards outside the polling place, said traffic had been steady. "I can't judge the turnout because there's one site instead of four," she said. "On the other hand, people I meet seem very intent on voting." * * * * * One-stop voting is at the Board of Elections office, 75 East Central Street (off Spartanburg Highway behind O’Reilly Auto Parts). Hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 27; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, through Friday, Nov. 2; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. Information: 828-697-4970. Polls are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at all 35 polling sites. Click here to find your polling place.   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

Senator questions county native's experience in Senate Judiciary Committee hearing

Alison Jones Rushing, the 36-year-old East Flat Rock native nominated for a seat on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, faced questions about her relative lack of experience when she sat for a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

FOUR SEASONS POLITICS: Campaign sign on senior steps doesn't last

HHS sign too close for comfort Jay Egolf admits to planting a campaign sign at a prominent corner of Hendersonville High School and says if that was wrong he’s an equal opportunity offender. “I planted one by every school,” he said. “I’m trying to get every school’s vote.” The campaign sign by the Senior Steps was up on Friday but gone by Monday morning. Egolf said he had heard nothing about the sign until the Lightning called. “I don’t know why they took it down.”   City sets 'Council Conversations' In an effort to improve communication between the City Council and Hendersonville residents, the City Council is hosting five community meetings throughout the city this fall.The “Council Conversations” will be held at strategic locations in Hendersonville.“The Council has made it a priority to meet with our citizens to discuss our vision for the community and receive feedback about what we are doing well and what we can improve on,” Mayor Barbara Volk said. “We believe the best way to do this is to get out of City Hall and meet our residents in or near their neighborhoods.”Each meeting will be hosted by an individual council member with City Manager John Connet and staff in attendance to help answer questions or provide information. Out of respect to everyone’s time, each “conversation” will be limited to one hour.“We hope these meetings will be well attended, because we want to hear from our residents,” Mayor Pro Tem Ron Stephens said.
Here’s the schedule:• Oct. 15 – Union Grove Baptist Church, 901 Robinson Terrace, – 7 p.m. Hosted by Mayor Barbara Volk.• Oct. 29 – Hendersonville Church of Christ, 1975 Haywood Road – 7 p.m. Hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Ron Stephens.• Nov. 5 – Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2557 Chimney Rock Road – 6 p.m. Hosted by Councilman Jeff Miller.• Nov. 19 – Henderson County Health Sciences Center, Room 2003 – 801 Sixth Avenue West – 6 p.m. Hosted by Councilman Jerry Smith.• Dec. 3 – Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, 204 Kanuga Road, 7 p.m. Hosted by Councilman Steve Caraker.The City Council has made an effort to locate a meeting in close proximity to all Hendersonville residents. However, residents are welcome to attend the meeting that is most convenient for them. For more information contact Connet at (828) 233-3201. School Board forum 
is Tuesday night The League of Women Voters Henderson County and the Henderson County Retired Teachers Association will host a forum for the School Board candidates from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the city Operations Center, 305 Williams St.
Paul Goebel, a retired Henderson County teacher and a member of both organizations, will be the moderator. All of the candidates have been invited. The questions will address the topics of academic standards, school safety, Hendersonville High School, and the non-partisan status of the School Board election. After the questions, attendees will have time to speak individually with the candidates. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.lwvhcnc.org.School Board candidates have also been invited to the monthly Republican Party Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Dixie Diner in Laurel Park. Candidates will be invited to introduce themselves and say why voters should choose them. The candidates will field questions from those attending. Appeals court candidate
 speaks at Republican club Chuck Kitchen, a Republican candidate for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, will be the guest speaker at the Henderson Country Republican Women’s Club luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Cedars. Kitchen began his legal career as assistant county attorney for Durham County following his graduation from UNC Law School. He moved to Alamance County and became the county attorney in 1986. He then returned to Durham County as county attorney in 1996 where he remained until his retirement from the county in 2009. He has practiced law for 37 years. He is running for the seat held by Judge Rick Elmore, who is retiring. To reserve a seat at the luncheon, write a check for $15 to The Cedars and mail to HCRWC PO Box 2734, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Reservation checks must be received by Oct. 19.     Read Story »

Hendersonville Politics

City holding five 'Council Conversations' this fall

In an effort to improve communication between the City Council and Hendersonville residents, the City Council will be hosting five community meetings throughout the city   Read Story »

Hendersonville Politics

School Board picks architects promising major Stillwell renovation

The Henderson County School Board voted unanimously on Thursday to hire architects who promise a renovation of the historic core classroom building and auditorium at Hendersonville High School along with a second new classroom building, a new gym and other new buildings. The board vote came after members heard presentations about construction of a new or renovated Hendersonville High School from the two finalists vying for a contract to design the job. It rejected a recommendation of an ad hoc committee, which had voted 5-2 for the county architect of record. PFA-LS3P, a collaboration of Asheville-based pfa and Charlotte-based LS3P, and ClarkNexsen, the county's architect of record, were the last two firms left standing among nine that responded originally to an invitation to bid on a new round of HHS plans. PFA-LS3P presented the more detailed plans for a combination Stillwell building renovation and new construction. The partnership said it would: Preserve and renovate the Stillwell building and 1974 gym. Raze the vocational-ed building, cafeteria, bandroom and old gym. Add a new cafeteria and vocational-ed building, renovate and expand the Stillwell auditorium, add a new administrative office and a classroom building along Oakland Street and build a second gym next to the 1974 Jim Pardue gymnasium. Complete the project in two phases, without housing students in mobile units, and finish by August 2022. Design a single point of entry for security reasons, allowing access to the Stillwell Building and the new classroom building. Add an enclosed courtyard behind the Stillwell building in roughly the spot where the vocational-ed building stands today. PFA-LS3P estimated the cost at $52.4 million. ClarkNexsen presented five options, including Stillwell renovation and new construction options and one, called Hail Mary, that was basically the same as the all-new construction option the School Board no longer favors. "There's such a price difference between the two firms," board Chair Amy Lynn Holt said. "Clearly, they were showing a full renovation of the Stillwell building, with bigger class sizes, everthing in that building." Even if it added other options, "We're still millions of dollars under the first number ClarkNexsen is coming in on." Mary Louise Corn, who voted for ClarkNexsen in the School Board vote last week, said PFA had made the best presentation. "Some said only consider ClarkNexsen. They've got all the lay of the land," she said. "Some have said ClarkNexsen shouldn't even be considered because we don't trust them. There's no doubt PFA made the best presentaiton. It's fine and easy to put on a dog and pony show. It's easy to make the rendering look great. ... are very honest about the price, I think they're telling us things we don't want to hear." But she added, "I would be fine with PFA." Amy Lynn Holt strongly endorsed PFA. "At the end of the day, I still feel that PFA did an amazing job," she said. "I think it's undisputed." "I feel great. I think it's the right choice," said Blair Craven, who has been the School Board's strongest advocate for saving the Stillwell building. "Several people said it, this project does deserve a fresh look. ... We'll see what that price is going to be for them to get us to hopefully a guaranteed maximum price and set of drawings that we can bring before the county that will be approved." How does he see the path to getting three vote on the County Commission to approve the new plan? "I truly believe that PFA is going to put something forward that they're going to be proud of, that they're not going to be able to say no to and that they will ultimately check the boxes and say yes, we're going to be able to do this. We're going to have at least one new county commissioner, possibly two with the election coming up, but I think we can get three votes no matter how that comes out." Holt said the choice for her came down to listening to constituents. "To me it's what the community wants," she said. "I didn't have anybody from that part of the community" favoring another shot for ClarkNexsen. "I would hope that when they see we're being fiscally responsible, that we're within the budget and that we're producing something for that community and that's great for the students I hope that they would approve it," she said. "I would like to see from here and out — we can confer with the county — but that it really big directed by us. When you heard those firms talk, I never heard them say, 'When we designed a school for the county commission.' I never heard them say that. That's the process. We're directed to be over schools." Boney, lead architect for LS3P, told the board he is the third-generation to lead a firm that specializes in school renovation and construction, having completed 2,500 projects over that time and 576 in the past 20 years. The firm touts its adherence to the "three Cs," meaning it's "creative, competent and cost conscious." The architects "design places where students want to be," it says. Boney and PFA Project Leader Maggie Carnevale touted the two firms' experience in renovating historic school buildings and combining new construction and renovation in tight urban spaces, citing Asheville High School, the historic West Charlotte High School and others. They pledged to deliver an "open and honest" process, communicate clearly and often with the board and the public and give detailed stakeholder updates. They proposed this timeline: Deliver drawings by January 2019. January-September 2019: Advanced planning and cost projections. September 2019-Jan. 1, 2021: Phase 1 construction (new cafeteria and career technical education building). November 2019-Jan. 1, 2021: Phase 2 construction documents, cost estimates. November-December 2020: Phase 2 permitting. January-May 2021: Demolish cafeteria, band room, auxiliary gym and CTE building. May 2021-August 2022. Phase 2 construction (administrative offices and classrooms along Oakland Street and auxiliary gym south of the Pardue gym). August 2022: Turn over project to Henderson County School Board. Students move in.     This is a developing story. Return to the Lightning for updates.       Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

School Board likely to pick HHS architect Friday

The Henderson County School Board will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday to hear two finalists pitch their architectural firm’s ideas for Hendersonville High School construction.   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

Panel endorses current county architect for new HHS plans

A committee on Friday recommended that the Henderson County School Board stick with the county’s architect of record, ClarkNexsen of Asheville, to draw new construction plans for Hendersonville High School, a move that could break an impasse between the School Board and county Board of Commissioners over the future of HHS.   Read Story »

Henderson County Politics

School Board will let voters fill vacant seat

The Henderson County School Board will let the voters decide who will fill board vacancy created when Colby Coren resigned to take a teaching position in the county school system.   Read Story »

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