Name: Sheneika Smith Profession: [candidate did not reply] In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: [candidate did not reply] In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: [candidate did not reply] 1. Of the current top city officials that answer directly…

Name: Cecil Bothwell Profession: Publisher/Artist/Carpenter In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m an environmentalist and have successfully advanced green issues, advanced Civil Liberties, improved transit and helped increase housing affordability…

Name: Martin Ramsey Profession: Service industry worker In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: independent/socialist In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: I’m running for office because working people make Asheville run and we need working people in Asheville’s government. I pledge to…

Name: Gwen Wisler Profession: Vice Mayor of Asheville, Owner of Asheville Profits LLC, a consulting firm that asks clients to pay for services by donating time to a local non-profit In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: Democrat In one brief sentence, describe…

Name: Esther Manheimer Profession: [candidate did not reply] In up to two words, describe your political affiliation: [candidate did not reply] In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: [candidate did not reply] General questions These questions are about problems, challenges or topics facing city government and…

A thicket of complicated issues, from the Airbnb spectre to a bus system overhaul to the “fake repeal” of HB2, hit City Hall during an unusual summer Above: a portion of the city’s new zoning maps for the River Arts District This summer’s not been…

A quick turnout prevents a possible bigoted rally in the middle of downtown. A glimpse at a community response, rumors, debates, citations and the challenges of judging the scope of the racist threat in today’s Asheville It started with a flier, more precisely, with an…

Veneration of the Confederacy is founded on lies about a brutal regime that terrorized millions. It’s long overdue to confront that history and the ways its evil still endures in our city today Above: With drills and crow bars, activists try to dismantle the Robert…

Our city is in a time of crisis, one that our current political culture is badly unprepared to deal with. But each election is a chance for change. For Asheville’s candidates, here’s a few things you should take to heart Above: City Hall under renovation.…

City leaders place a referendum on district elections on the ballot — but they don’t want it to pass. Behind the state’s gerrymandering push, the latest item on the November ballots and the looming legal fight Above: Proposed Asheville City Council districts under last year’s failed…