Now more than ever, politicians will not save us and communities must organize and defend ourselves. From the Blade collective, here’s some honesty Above: Anti-racist graffiti on the Vance monument in June. A more honest statement than any campaign ad. Special to the Blade. Editor’s…

The stories of Ashevillians are being ignored. In working to survive, trying to get a COVID-19 test and seeing their communities in danger they all show a very different reality of the pandemic from the breathless coverage of tourism barons and economic forecasts Above: Asheville…

After months of workers warning about unsafe conditions and union-busting, No Evil Foods workers face a possible COVID-19 outbreak Above: A workplace announcement from No Evil Foods management about suspected cases of COVID-19 Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, workers at No Evil Foods…

The Blade asks about cutting the police department, funding transit, reining in hotels and more as we take aim at the candidates running in the Asheville City Council primary Above: City Hall under renovation. Photo by Bill Rhodes Yes, Asheville, we are once again asked…

Name: Nicole Townsend Profession: Organizer In up to three words, describe your political affiliation: People-Centered Movement In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am running for Asheville City Council because I believe that we need officials who stop silencing people who…

Name: Rich Lee Profession: Financial Advisor In up to three words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running:  I believe Asheville ought to be doing better, and I believe we can improve the everyday ways we experience life in our city, now.…

Name: Keith Young Profession: Deputy Clerk of Superior Court In up to three words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive, Democrat, Pragmatic In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m a black man in America that knows what it is like to face…

Name: Kim Roney Profession: Piano Teacher, Service Industry Worker, Community Radio Producer, Community Advocate In up to three words, describe your political affiliation: Affiliated with People In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: After 5 years of attending and reporting back to…

Name: Shane McCarthy Profession: Construction Manager In up to three words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m an Asheville native who has lived through our city’s problems first hand, I have an education and…

Name: Sage Turner Profession: Finance & Project Manager, French Broad Food Co+op In up to three words, describe your political affiliation: Liberal, registered Democratic In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: As a longtime community volunteer, I am alarmed by our community…