 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
City Council Candidates, Week 3George Bancroft
Mr. George Bancroft submitted the following information via
a telephone conversation. Back to the top
Back to the top
i was shocked beyond belief when i read quotes from an "anti-globalization movement" in the AVL CT the day of this national tragedy: "If the buildings were empty, I would say 'Bravo!'" another one said, "It kind of makes me excited 'cause I've been waiting for something like this to happen," and "People are pleased (that the World Trade Center was destroyed) because it's almost like, 'I told you so,'" and "If they'd done it in the middle of the night, I wouldn't have been sad." i pray for mental healing for these people. whether or not people were in the buildings give no warrant for anyone to destroy what people like you and me built in this great nation of ours. whether you believe in God or not, we humans are given free will by our maker and this country was founded on the principle that we have unalienable rights to pursue life, liberty and happiness and that no government can take this away. this also goes for terrorists!!! one congressman commented, "remember these people that are cheering this event... for they are our enemies." i question these people here in Asheville that assembled yesterday... 1) whose side are you on? 2) if you think these terrorists have a better constitution in their nation, why don't you go there? i'm sure we can take up a collection. Back to the top
It is my hope that all of our citizens will stop and remember those brave firemen and police officers who gave their lives to help someone else. My son is an Asheville firefighter. He, and many other firemen, would have gone up to New York in a heartbeat if ordered to go. I know all of our citizens throughout our great country are very upset. Let all of us remember what country we love and do not ever forget what the United States represents to the rest of the world! We have been wounded, but our country will be able to work through this and be even stronger in will because of it! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! Back to the top
The Asheville Civic Center plays a vital role in the livability of Western North Carolina. A desirable city must have a place for entertainment, sports events and cultural activities. It is not unlike water, sewer, education, safe neighborhoods, a clean environment, public transportation, adequate shopping and all the services that make a livable city. It is part of the necessary infrastructure of a progressive city. Many folks say they want to attract high wage, clean business to this area and I agree. Every company thinking about expanding or relocating can pick from thousands of cities and they will not select an area that does not provide adequate entertainment, sports and cultural events. There have been suggestions to build a facility away from downtown and construct a large parking lot That recommendation needs to be discussed and evaluated in detail. Many facilities build adjacent to interstate highways have massive traffic jams and can require hours to empty the lot. Because of numerous streets in downtown Asheville, civic center patrons are usually on their way in 5 to 10 minutes. Perhaps we parked in a garage or, mercy me, had to walk 3 or 4 blocks. Back to the topMr. Fred English asked that his name be included in The Candidates' Forum, but chose not to submit any material. Back to the top First, council has committed 1.79 percent (about $400,000 per year) of all property taxes to affordable housing in addition to the almost two million dollars a year we get from the federal government. Next, council has included density bonuses that help developers who build projects with affordable units. Finally, council provided for a 50% reduction in all development fees for properties that meet the city's guidelines for affordability. I voted for each of these good ideas. But that isn't enough. With the non-profit community, we provide about one hundred units a year. We need three hundred. To succeed we must triple our capacity. To do that, we need to change those provisions of our UDO that limit us. We must aggressively use in-fill lots, even if we have to change zoning regulations to use them. We need to look for more land that can be zoned for multi-family housing Our terrain challenges us but we can find creative solutions to the cost of building on steep slopes. We must have the political will to say "yes" to responsible developers who want to help solve this problem. We must form partnerships with the private sector. We need a new blueprint for Asheville that will integrate affordability in every quadrant of the city while encouraging the preservation of our traditional neighborhoods as safe, coherent and beautiful places to live and work. Back to the top
Affordable Housing: I have been an active participant in the City's efforts to meet our housing crisis. We have accomplished a great deal, as shown by the such moments as the Habitat for Humanity 100th house in July, but we must work even harder to be creative to bring private, as well as non-profit, builders into the effort, to lower the barriers to creating affordable homes, and to maintain the housing stock we now have. Local Government: When I was first elected, Asheville had
a reputation as a city which was so divided that it didn't work.
As a community we decided that was unacceptable, we committed ourselves
to change, and that reputation has in large part been put behind
us. It i frustrating that now our local governments are so busy
bickering that very little seems to be getting done. Elected officials
must show that what is unacceptable for our community is also unacceptable
when it comes to public issues. The issues between us can be resolved,
but we must first acknowledge that the community expects us to work
together. I believe that can be done, and commit myself to it. Back to the top
Four years ago, the City of Asheville adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) which placed tight restrictions on housing development. If elected, I will work to reform the UDO by following these key principles: · Addressing the need for a wide range of incomes and
household types - not only the very poorest citizens, but also
the many middle-income and wage-earning families and individuals;
Housing is more than a roof over one's head. It is - and must be - a stable environment in which children learn and grow; a place to relax at the end of the day; an essential part of healthy and safe communities. I am committed to working on this important issue and finding solutions that work. Please vote for Holly Jones on October 9th. Back to the top The tragedy that occurred at our nation's financial and military centers initially left me in shock. Gradually, I began to grieve for all those who left this world in such a violent way, and for all the loved ones they left behind. And I continue to grieve that we have created a world where these kinds of heinous tragedies happen. In the aftermath, I've heard wide and varied opinions and emotions expressed both locally and nationally. Many people are understandably angry and seeking revenge. It is my sincere hope that we seek a resolution that respects and preserves innocent human life, instead of perpetuating further destruction. "…perhaps this final act was meant to clinch a lifetime's argument: that nothing comes from violence, nothing ever could …" -Sting The media compares this incident with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Let us not repeat our previous mistakes. After Pearl Harbor, we systematically identified an entire ethnic population for persecution and I'm aware of the first stirrings of this now. Again, it is my sincere hope that we seek a resolution that respects and preserves innocent human life… I see a beautiful opportunity presenting itself to communities
all across our nation. Now, more than ever, we need to meet our
neighbors and strengthen our communities. No one can say for sure
what the ultimate repercussions of Tuesday's actions will be; however,
it's obvious that we need to help and support each other as much
as possible. With stronger, supportive, and closer-knit communities,
we will be able to face any adversities that result Back to the top
1) Aim for the common good. This week I would like to share my focus on solutions over conflict.
Criticism is an easy undertaking. There are always negatives to
embrace and people who merit critical attention. As a candidate
and council member, this is an approach that I will leave to others.
I intend to work with people to target solutions. I'll resist wasting
time, goodwill, and resources fighting with our neighbors and friends.
If elected, you can count on me to be a voice for cooperative effort
and constructive approaches. We are in this together… Back to the top
Dear Neighbor, Like you, I am struck and saddened by the horror of Tuesday's terrorist acts. Given this week's tragic events, I don't feel much like writing a long piece for Candidate's Forum. Instead, I've listed a set of issues and goals that I support, that I am committed to, and that I fight for (in no particular order): 1) Creating affordable housing & safe neighborhoods You can get more information on my web-site: www.votebrownie.com When something so horrific happens, our attention naturally and rightly turns from local politics to larger matters. I'll be off of the campaign trail this weekend reflecting. Next week this space will be back talking about the most important local issues. Sincerely, Brownie Newman Brownie Newman- Bringing People Together for Asheville's Future! Back to the top
In my educational training in nursing, I learned that basic human survival needs include nutrition, oxygen and hydration. Meeting these basic needs for the body are important for building a foundation from which our awareness for actualization may occur. The study of environmental science is to the earth as health is
to the human body. We have no reason to believe that this is not
a true science. Perhaps because the contamination of the environment
is more insidious than a bomb or a gun, it's not taken as seriously
by some governments but the cumulative effects of environmental
pollution is considered a life threatening situation. Because governments
should care about human safety and survival needs, citizens should
feel protected from the effects of pollution. It would be better
if passionate environmentalists were part of government instead
of struggling against it. Our environment is a major concern of
mine and should be a consideration of every person who casts a vote
for Mayor and City Council on October 9th. Back to the top
The Asheville Freedom Team (Dave Goree for Mayor and Bernard Carman and myself for City Council) has proposed a 50% cut in the city portion of your property tax. For Asheville residents this would mean a 20% overall reduction in property taxes. Since we pay nearly twice as much in property taxes as county residents do, such a cut would be most welcome. Our property tax cut will be paid for by a $14 million cutback in city government waste. The current city budget is $88 million dollars and looking through the bloated city budget, its easy to see where such cuts could come from. One example: The city currently pours over $2 million every year into the Civic Center money pit! The Freedom Team will cut this subsidy and look at selling the Haywood St. facility to a private concern that could actually make the Civic Center generate profits. In addition, the revenue generated from this sale would go towards paying off the city's debts, for which we pay out over $5 million every year to service. The Freedom Team will take no action until we have studied the city government carefully. Our concept of a total review is very important to our tax cut. We will look at every city department, employee and ordinance and see how we can make it work better for the people of Asheville. We will cut programs which are not needed, we will make sure the city government is focused on its priorities. Duplication of efforts, overpaid administrators and pure waste will be reduced through this process. Back to the topMr. Sam Webb stated that due to current commitments he is unable
to participate in The Candidates' Forum at this time. Back to the top
I firmly believe that property owners shouldn't be required to bear a disproportionate financial burden. The City must take steps to decrease its reliance on property taxes. If we are going to continue to encourage home ownership we must ensure that home ownership is not an unpleasant experience. As a member of City Council I would strongly support and pursue other revenue sources. This is a key step in lifting the unfair burden placed upon the shoulders of our property owners. Pursuing other revenue sources doesn't involve a grand scheme or complicated process. It involves looking for other practical ways to generate funds. Other revenue sources might include investments or business ventures. The City must also work diligently to eliminate excessive/unnecessary expenses in an effort to decrease the property tax reliance. Small amounts can add up to big savings. If $100,000 a year can be trimmed in several areas then that translates into significant savings over a period of time. There are several areas in the City's budget where that amount of money can be trimmed. Government must continue to review its expenses to operate efficiently. I think it's time for government to get back to the basics. We must govern from a practical standpoint. It doesn't serve the citizens when government responds to the loudest shout instead of the shout that makes the most sense. I support being efficient and effective. Common sense must prevail. Back to the top
|
Responses
to reader questions:
we
NEVER see American citizens jumping for joy in the streets when
foreign countries are attacked by localized terrorists... do you?
well, yesterday many people were partying in the streets cheering
this horrible act - not just in foreign lands, BUT HERE IN ASHEVILLE!!!
The tragic events in New York should make all of us stop and think
about all our freedoms that we take for granted. Our country is
the target of hate by those who would love to see our citizens suffer.
The United States is the center of freedom for every person that
has the hunger for justice. Those people who can not stand up for
our pledge of allegiance need to understand how they have received
this freedom! It was earned by many people who gave their lives!
Our country may not be perfect, but it still is the one place where
freedom loving people prefer to live. Our lives have been changed
by the events in New York forever. We must now realize that there
are people who want our country to fall! 
Asheville
Civic Center
We
have a housing crisis in Asheville. Speeches about the problem don't
solve it. It is actions that count. Among the many actions the present
City Council has taken these three stand out.
When
I was first elected to City Council in 1995, I pledged that I would
work hard, and I think I have kept that promise. I know that important
changes don't happen overnight, and have not backed away from any
issue because it was too difficult or politically treacherous. The
record of accomplishments in the past six years shows just how much
more we can do by committing ourselves to long-term goals. I pledge
to continue to work hard for our City and to see each issue through
to its end, knowing that we are at our best when we listen carefully
to what the citizens want and are creative and flexible in finding
long-term solutions. 
We
live in a thriving community, and the high demand for property in
Asheville is a reflection of that. However, families and individuals
working as teachers, health care and factory workers, police officers,
service and retail employees should be able to afford a home in
the city where they work, and too often this is not the case.
Our
lives will never be the same. 
Having lived in Asheville for most of my life, I know and value
what we have here. I want to help insure a positive future for Asheville
by serving as a moderate member of City Council. My goals are simple.
I reserve my strongest interest for fairly distributed and responsive
basic city services. I value common sense decisions that give consideration
to all citizens. I view good jobs and a balanced economy as our
best social service. I believe that governmental restraint and efficiency
should come before tax increases. I believe that Asheville, as the
population center of our region, should serve as a model of cooperation,
leadership and vision. I have 5 guiding principles that I will use
in upholding a positive role on Council~
Bringing
People Together for Asheville's Future!
There is not a shortage of environmental interest and action groups
herein WNC. People with passion and commitment settle here and many
times devote volunteer hours to issues of land use, water quality
and air quality. It seems as though taking these things for granted
as being always available, is a thing of the past. We can no longer
guarantee that our food and water supplies will be safely made available.
There are days where the air may have special codes and warnings
where people with fragile health are warned not to go outside. 
In
response to the question about how we would pay for our tax cuts...
Property
Taxes