With several competitive primaries for the key county commissioner races, we’re seeking your ideas about what to ask the candidates
Hello readers, it’s that time again. With a major primary election coming up, the Blade‘s hard at work crafting questions for candidates all across the county. Specifically, we’re looking to put important questions to the candidates in the primaries for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The commissioners make decisions affecting the lives of over 250,000 people in every part of the county, including Asheville, and oversee a $388 million budget that includes a wide range of powers and services.
The primaries are particularly important in this regard, as this year has a particularly active bunch, with primaries for the Republican nomination for the board’s chair, the Democratic and Republican nominations for the 2nd District (encompassing the northern and eastern parts of the county) and the Democratic nomination for the 1st District, which encompasses most of Asheville. That last one will likely be decided by the primary, given that no Republicans are running in the general election.
Last year’s questions for Asheville City Council candidates proved a success, and we’re following a similar format this year: five general questions about how to deal with issues facing the public and five yes/no questions about how the candidate would vote on specific proposals the commissioners have or may vote on.
So let us know what issues are on your mind. Shoot us an email or weigh in on our Facebook or Twitter. If you do weigh in and you’re volunteering for, donating to or endorsing a candidate in one of these races, we’d ask you to disclose that. If you’re a candidate or a paid staffer for one, please refrain from commenting. We’re taking submissions until next Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Thanks for your thoughts and input. Remember: while today is the last day to register to vote at the Board of Elections, you can also register/update your info and vote during the March 3-12 early voting period. Please, let us know immediately if you encounter any issues registering or voting during either.
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