City Council Candidates, Week 5

George Bancroft
Harold "Cicada" Brokaw
Bernard Carman
Joe Dunn
Jim Ellis
Fred English
Barbara Field
Ed Hay
Holly Jones
Sharon Martin
Carl Mumpower
Brownie Newman
Susan O'Neil
Kevin Rollins
Sam Webb
Rod Whiteside

George Bancroft

Mr. George Bancroft submitted the following information via a telephone conversation.

After serving nine years on the Civil Service Board, George Bancroft is running for Asheville City Council and noted being an advocate for City employees as one of his priorities. He retired from the US Postal Service in September 1989, ending a public service career that begin August 5, 1942 with the Army Airways Communication Service. That career lasted 34 years, 3 months and 18 days.

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Harold "Cicada" Brokaw

Our earth's ecosystem is in crisis. We have pushed many species into, or onto the brink of, extinction. We humans must work together to move through this crisis. We all must take responsibility where we can: in our personal lives, and our civic lives. We can work on our home, our neighborhood, our work places, our spiritual and social groups, our community networks. These are places where we can each make a direct difference.

Knowing where we want to go is the first step in getting there. By articulating and sharing our visions for the future, the process of moving towards those visions begins. We won't all have the same visions. Sharing allows them to commingle in the community mindscape, to fertilize each other, to form seeds.

When we come together to solve problems, some of these seeds will germinate, grow and bear fruit. Solutions can be informed by visions of Asheville as Eco-City. Step by step, we can solve our problems in a way that moves us toward the visions.
I would have opposed the council resolution about the terrorist attack as it was written. The best way to fight terrorism is to ensure that everyone on earth has clean water to drink and their nutritional needs met. The U.N. estimates about $40 billion to fulfill the basic needs of the poorest people on the planet. The U.S. pays arms corporations more than $250 billion every year. Let's spend this money for good instead of war.

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Bernard Carman

Biographical data: I'm 35 years old; I graduated from UNCA with a BS in
Music degree. I owned and operated a computer business called Graphic
Edge, Inc. Now, I work for SunSpots Productions, Inc. as an audio
engineer. I've never been in the military, nor marriage, and have no
children.

Regarding the terrorist attack, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable with spending too much of the council's time voting on commentary that doesn't directly effect local affairs. But pressed to make a statement, I would have to say that I might be inclined to use a different set of words to describe the attack altogether. Among words that come to mind are "fanatic" and "insane".

However, I can also see how both "bravery" and "cowardice" can also be used simultaneously, from differing perspectives. Consider first, that for one to overcome their fear and commit oneself to die for a cause in which they believe so strongly, could understandably be argued as a brave act. On the other hand, to orchestrate such an evil and calculated plan and then not have courage to stand up and say, "We did this!" could also be argued as a cowardly act.

Whether one sees this as a brave or cowardly attack, one thing is
certain: it was the act of a fanatic group who regard little concern
for life on this planet and are willing to risk anything for their
cause. Regardless, I hope our US Government will act wisely in their methods of apprehending and punishing the guilty parties involved.

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Joe Dunn

The Truth About Asheville's Economy

The vital signs of Asheville's worsening economic crisis are obvious. It is a classic case of declining economic vitality. The patient is on life support systems now. Just look at the symptoms:

1. Asheville lost 35 million dollars from its tax base this year alone!
2. Our tax base has dropped to 1.5% of growth from a five year average of 2.6%.
3. Our City is now considered the most expensive city to live in our state.
4. Our young people can not find good paying jobs and must look elsewhere!
5. If our young people find a good job, affordable housing is non-existent!
6. The UDO has a stranglehold on business development!
7. Our over regulated economy has slowed down and can not grow.
8. Our air is not clean.
9. One dollar in every eight goes to parks and recreation, but our senior citizens have no help from city government.
10. Our budget last year was 88 million dollars, but only $50,000 was invested in attracting new business.
11. Asheville has no revenue sources except property taxes and fees.

This patient needs a transfusion of new ideas and leadership!
This city is in serious financial condition and all council wants to do is spend more money. Are you listening City Council? It is time for some common sense in city government. Just look at council's record-it speaks for itself!

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Jim Ellis

The tragic events of September 11 will never be forgotten and we must all continue to send our love and prayers to the thousands of families that have lost so very much. We must also return to building our cities, states and nation or the terrorists will be the winners.

I have 10 years of private business experience, 20 years Chamber of Commerce and economic development experience and 15 years in hospital administration. I recently retired as business administrator at Black Mountain Center. I grew up in Asheville and have served in numerous leadership roles. I currently serve on the Asheville Airport Authority, Blue Ridge Mental Health, Asheville Buncombe Community Relations Board and previously served as Chairman of the UNCA Board of Trustees and many other community boards and commissions.

The coming days, months and years will be challenging and will require maturity, experience and leadership. With your vote for Jim Ellis on October 9, I'll be honored to go to work for all Asheville citizens.

In response to a reader question, I would NOT have dropped the word "cowardly" to describe the attack on New York and Washington, D.C. Killing of innocent citizens is NOT a "brave act". I strongly support the efforts of our president and national leaders and believe all terrorists must be tracked down and punished.

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Fred English

Mr. Fred English asked that his name be included in The Candidates' Forum, but chose not to submit any material.

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Barbara Field

My comments at the September 18 City Council meeting were so very misunderstood. I was made to look as if I was not horrified by the terrorist's actions, but rather was somehow sympathetic. This is absolutely untrue. When I spoke at the City Council Work session it was to prevent shrill and inaccurate rhetoric from being included in an official declaration by this city.

We are at war with a frighteningly determined enemy. We must stand united behind our principles and our heritage. Courage will be required of Americans in the face of a zealous enemy. I spoke up in City Council to give our resolution language worthy of a free and reasonable people. It is not the place of government leadership to intemperately inflame passions about critically important challenges.

The events on September 11 were many things, including "horrific" and "contemptible." I did not see that branding these people as "cowardly" was accurate or helpful. The American people are in for a fierce struggle. We must not be deceived that they are cowards. They are fanatically dedicated to their cause. Our resolve will be tested.

We Americans need to stand united in seeking out and bringing to justice those that perpetrated this heinous act. We as Americans are faced with a grave challenge. We must be the instruments of justice, without sacrificing the principles of justice on which this country stands.

God bless those who have suffered so much, and God bless America. I know America will prevail, because our heritage of liberty, tolerance and freedom.

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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.

Taxes: Local governments cannot continue to rely solely on increases in property taxes to meet the growing needs of the community. This is especially true in Asheville, where the tax burden falls disproportionately on residential property taxpayers. We must identify new sources of revenue which insure that all who benefit from growth share the cost, and that those who bear the burden fairly enjoy the benefits. Local officials must insist that the Legislature give citizens the authority to make these decisions for themselves.

Economic Development: It requires years of effort to create one new job, but 500 jobs can disappear overnight. It is no longer good enough to simply replace jobs as we lose them, we must build for the future. I am convinced that the new Internet and Information Technologies industries can provide permanent, lifelong-employment opportunities in the full range of income and education levels, offering careers our children can plan and train for. Asheville is uniquely positioned to attract that kind of investment, but we will squander our advantage if we fail to commit to a long-term effort to provide the infrastructure (technological and otherwise) and the trained, ready workforce the new industries require.

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Holly Jones

As our community and nation continues to heal after the events of September 11th, I am newly reminded of how important it is that we have leadership that bridges the diverse interests of our community. City officials have a civic duty to balance the needs of all citizens - seniors, children, working families, business owners, African Americans, Whites, Latinos, Ukrainians, gays and lesbians, people of faith. Throughout my career and community involvement, I've worked hard to develop solutions that take into account diverse and often divergent perspectives. Neighborhood planning and development that relies on a shared dialogue about the differing needs and hopes for our community can result in successful solutions. There are several key issues facing our community that such leadership must address:

• Affordable housing
• Minority achievement gap in education
• Responsive, cooperative government

An example of bridge building work is my involvement with the Asheville-Buncombe Education Coalition. For the past two years I've been a part of this broad-based community initiative that is committed to addressing the minority achievement gap through intense mentoring, tutoring, and diversity awareness. This Coalition is an example of how diverse interests can come together around a common goal and develop solutions that truly work. I believe the city must play a similarly vital role in building community among the needs of different segments of our population. If elected, I will do my best to make our community safer and stronger through leadership that unites us. Please vote for Holly Jones on October 9th.

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Sharon Martin

Honestly, I never imagined that I would become directly involved in local politics. However, I've come to understand that decisions made in city council chambers have a profound impact on whether our city moves towards sustainability or continues on the path of unchecked growth. In the words of Mayor Sitnick on growth and development, "…there comes a time when enough is enough."

Our city council sets the tone for our city by creating and amending public policies and setting priorities in the form of proclamations, resolutions, ordinances, and budget allocations. Of particular interest to me are our land use ordinances, affordable housing budget allocations, and transit authority budget allocations.

We have the opportunity, through our land use ordinances to help shape Asheville as a model for other cities to follow. I understand the very real concerns of "property rights" proponents and I believe that our rights to exploit our property for profit ends when we begin to damage our environment and thus the common good (not only ours, but that of future generations as well). Well thought out and crafted land use ordinances can serve to promote and protect the common good for today and tomorrow.

We also have the opportunity to be a model city through allocating adequate funding in our budget to the Transit Authority (including bicycle and pedestrian transit) and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

And most importantly, I believe in citizen participation. Getting involved is the best thing any of us can do for our city. We need to hear from everyone, because collectively we will make our best decisions.

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Carl Mumpower

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 moderating 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.

1) Aim for the common good.
2) Focus on solutions over conflict
3) Provide leadership instead of control.
4) Be guided by principles over pressures.
5) Focus on balance, practicality, and restraint.

This week I would like to share my interest in principles over pressures. City Government is under constant pressure to respond to the personal agendas of diverse groups and individuals. That is an acceptable reality of government. Unfortunately, responding to pressures over principles creates a reactive process that impairs effective leadership. Catering to pressures brings a temporary sense of unity and comfort today at the expense of our tomorrows. With your vote, I intend to approach day to day decisions with an eye on pragmatic principles ~ not persisting pressures…

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Brownie Newman

Brownie Newman

Bringing People Together for Asheville's Future

Response to the attacks: reflect, grieve and move forward as a community

By Brownie Newman

Most of the men in my family are airline pilots, including my father and brother. As such, it is hard for me to think of anything much more appalling than the hijacking and use of civilian planes as weapons against innocent people.

I have been especially moved by the story of how the people on board the plane hijacked over Pennsylvania, understanding the full intentions of the men who hijacked their plane, fought back in an effort to regain control of the flight. These were the first Americans who understood the true nature of the attack that was underway against our country and made a conscious decision to fight back.

We will never know the number of lives these people saved through their actions. They should be remembered as heroes.

This is a time for our country to come together. We must move forward with the life of our community. To assure the protection and safety of all our citizens. To assure all our children receive a good education. To create a stronger and more sustainable economy for our families. To protect our environment. And to breathe new life into our local democratic institutions.

Brownie Newman

Bringing People Together for Asheville's Future

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Susan O'Neil

Last weekend, I stopped worrying about what was happening at the upper
levels of this nation's government and in the military as they charge across the ocean to the Middle East. In Charlotte, NC, we gathered for a Green Party gathering in NC. We overcame our collective reluctance to making the change from movement to party and evolved from being isolated factions into a network of interlocking support. By definition, Greens serve a grassroots participatory function. The two primary aspects of
that function are activism and campaigns. All Green candidates should understand that they are committed to using the Ten Key Values as a basis for making decisions while serving. These are:

1. Ecology
2. Grassroots Democracy
3. Social Justice
4. Non-Violence
5. Decentralization
6. Community-based Economics
7. Feminism
8. Respect for Diversity
9. Personal and Global Responsibility
10. Future Focus/Sustainability.

They can be applied at local, regional and national levels. We don't think that they are radical concepts rather, they are rooted in grassroots American values. We Greens are uniquely accountable to them.

Locally and nationally, I am very concerned about our freedoms being lost to the appearance of security and safety needs. This need not happen. I would encourage everyone to resist the desire to utilize scapegoating of individuals to relieve stress and fear.
As a community, we have work to do addressing urgent community needs. We are struggling because of economic inequity, our health is compromised because of environmental contamination and children and families are falling through the cracks. However, I am convinced that no situation is hopeless. With our fresh ideas and creativity we can move beyond conventionality into a beautiful, practical and interactive paradigm for living.

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Kevin Rollins

The Asheville Freedom Team wants to fix city government. We are Dave Goree for Mayor, Bernard Carman for Council and Kevin Rollins for Council.

City Government Total Review The Asheville Freedom Team wants to conduct a total review of city government. Every department, every employee and every ordinance would be judged on two criteria: 1) that they DO NOT violate freedom; 2) that they work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Bring Good Jobs to Asheville The Asheville Freedom Team wants to help small businesses create good, well paying jobs by reducing nonsense regulations and by cutting taxes that make Asheville an unattractive place to do business.

Civic Center The Asheville Freedom Team does not think it is wise to put city taxpayers on the hook for another $52 million when the city has proven that it cannot run the existing facility at a profit. We will look for private funding for a new facility at a better location.

Fix the Water Pipes! The Asheville Freedom Team will make fixing the water system a top priority. The city of Asheville loses 30% of OUR water to leaks, and WE have to pay for it! We will look towards a total system overhaul rather than chasing leaks as they pop up.

Annexation The Asheville Freedom Team will NEVER forcibly annex any community outside the city. Only communities asking to be annexed will be considered. We believe firmly that forced annexation by any government is a violation of democratic principle.

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Sam Webb

Mr. Sam Webb stated that due to current commitments he is unable to participate in The Candidates' Forum at this time.

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Rod Whiteside

Cowardly or Brave Act

The following is a response to a reader's question about a recent City Council resolution.

Our country has seen the darkest day ever in the events of September 11, 2001. I have never been more saddened than the days following the attack. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the families of the dead. My prayers also go out to all of us who remain to re-stitch the damaged fabric of our country. America will rise from this disaster, but only because we are a nation of brave men and women.

The terrorists who guided the aircraft into our national treasures were cowards beyond description. Their actions were carried-out with malice and aforethought. It was no accident. It was no fluke. Mass murderers do not possess an ounce of bravery or compassion and no one should attempt to paint the terrorists as brave men.

I would NOT have voted to omit the word coward from the resolution. Removing the word coward from the resolution was a slap in the face of every decent human being who felt the pain of the attack.

This is the time when clinging to our patriotism is more important than ever. As Americans we must call the acts of September 11th COWARDLY.

May God bless America.

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