Category: News

Insistence on a controversial police expansion and pay hikes for top-level staff bust a hole in Asheville’s finances and bring social justice proposals to a halt in this year’s hidden city budget fight Above: City Hall by night. Photo by Max Cooper [Editor’s note: While…

The District Attorney and Sheriff’s primaries cast an illuminating light on the divides in our area — and some of the fights that lie ahead Above: the map of election results from the Democratic primary between incumbent Todd Williams and challenger Ben Scales. Precincts that…

The Asheville Blade’s guide to the primary that will shape who’s the county’s top law enforcement officer in a time where local policing’s under increasing scrutiny Buncombe County Sheriff is a key position, one of the most powerful on the ballot. Elected, rather than appointed,…

Name: Quentin Miller Profession: Sergeant at the Asheville Police Department (APD). In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m running to change the mindset of the Sheriff’s office from that of a warrior to…

Name: R. Daryl Fisher Profession: I have 30+ years of law enforcement experience and almost 5 years (5 in July) of full time law enforcement training and curriculum teaching experience. The bulk of my law enforcement experience was with the Asheville Police Department where I…

The Asheville Blade’s guide to the primary that will determine who’s in charge of one of the most powerful positions on the local ballot — district attorney District Attorney is an incredibly powerful position, perhaps one of the most important on a local ballot. This…

Name: Todd Williams Profession: Attorney, Board Certified Specialist in NC Criminal Law In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I am running to continue serving as your progressive District Attorney with…

Name: Ben Scales Profession: Attorney In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m running because I believe that true progressive criminal justice reform can heal, empower and unite our community. General questions…

For years, activists asserted prominent artist Jonas Gerard used cash and intimidating legal tactics to silence allegations of sexual harassment and abuse. Documents and a former employee’s story reveal what that looks like Above: Protesters from the Asheville Survivors Coalition, which has focused on claims…

What you need to know about the police brutality case that’s causing an uproar in Asheville and making national news. What happened, how the problem stretches to the highest levels and how this violence is rooted in our city’s segregation Above: A sign highlighting the…