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…

Name: Kristen Goldsmith Profession: Retail manager In up to three words, describe your political affiliation: Progressive Democrat In one brief sentence, describe yourself and why you’re running: As a former architect, and current shift worker, I’m focused on sustainable development for Asheville, including affordable housing and fare-free…

Using sham community meetings and fake neighborhood groups, the far-right pushes for more cops and crackdowns. Asheville’s city government is supporting them. Above: pictures of homeless people sleeping in downtown. The images were produced for an August meeting of local gentry calling for more police…

The defeat of a racist gerrymander is a victory — and a stark reminder that shaking Asheville’s status quo takes a lot more than elections Late last month, amid a growing public backlash, Asheville City Council voted 6-1 to repeal most of a state-imposed gerrymander…

For nearly 40 years, the TDA has spent significant tax dollars to market Asheville to the wealthy and privileged — and done untold damage. It’s time to abolish them and chart a new course Above: The construction site of the new Marriott hotel on Merrimon…