Politics

Dueling protesters express views

Richard Weidler, pastor of the First Congregational Church in Hendersonville, talks to Barbara McCollum, George Danz and Pam Danz of the Hendersonville GOP. Weidler wanted to "bridge the gap" between the two groups but McCollum "felt attacked" by him. [Mi

By Miranda McFalls, Published: June 4, 2013

Protestors gathered outside the historic Historic Courthouse and voiced contrasting views on the General Assembly's work.

Two separate groups of protesters held signs and expressed their views on both the local and state budget.
Pro-education demonstrators held signs that said "Are children your priority? No cuts!" and "Support public education." Among the protesters were members of the First Congregational Church in Hendersonville.
The group was protesting the so-called Opportunity Scholarship Act, which will give grants to eligible students to attend private schools.
"There is a flood of stuff that's good that is going away with this bill," said Kathleen Hespelt, a former school teacher. "I want to have the education system that was so wonderful. I was so proud to work there."
Henderson County GOP members countered with signs that said: "If you really care: Help a poor family, create a job" and "You cannot make a poor man rich by making a rich man poor —Abraham Lincoln."
"We need to lower taxes," said Jane Bilello, a Mills River resident who is chair of the Asheville Tea Party. "If businesses are able to pay less in taxes, they can then grow their business and create jobs."
Each group stayed on separate sides of the courthouse, talking among themselves, until Richard Weidler, pastor of the First Congregational Church, approached the Hendersonville GOP. While neither side was able to come to an agreement on the topics at hand, they were able to speak amicably.
"I just wanted to bridge the gap," Weidler said.
Some members of the board of commissioners looked on at the protestors before the meeting started.
"We're all concerned about what's going on in Washington," said County Manager Steve Wyatt, "but I think the protestors need to be outside of the White House."