2005 is going to be a good year for Progressives in Asheville, NC.

2005 is going to be a good year for Progressives in Asheville, NC.

This is going to be a good year for Democrats in my hometown of Asheville, NC. We have three solidly progressive candidates in Holly Jones*, Robin Cape and Brian Freeborn. As an added bonus, Terry Bellamy, a Democratic city council member of extreme competence, is running for mayor.

As a Liberal, I vote with my values. I'm not looking for perfection, but on local issues I like fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates who believe in democracy. I want to know that my elected leaders can be trusted to stand up to the big box stores and fight for the right of locally-owned businesses to serve the community. I want leaders who are bold enough to improve public transportation, and, support policies that will make Asheville affordable enough for our poorest citizens to live in dignity.

I have a passing acquaintance with most of this year's candidates, but two stand out as good examples of a new breed of Democrat that is working it's way up the political latter.

Terry Bellamy: An experienced council-member who has already served as vice-mayor; Terry has a reputation in Asheville as someone who understands the budget better than most of her peers. Bellamy is also known for championing affordable housing issues.

I met Terry for the first time when she addressed the local chapter of the DFA. While she was giving her presentation, a small child in over-sized shoes clomping around behind her making a lot of noise. Despite the racket the child was making, Terry stayed on point, answered difficult questions and was not phased in the slightest.

I am relating this story because I think it illustrates that Terry Bellamy has the kind of patience and focus that a mayor should have.

Robin Cape: A former business owner and current musician; Robin has a real talent for organizing the community effectively. As a member of the water district board, she understands the need to protect our natural resources from over-development.

I've had the opportunity to talk at length with Robin Cape, and I will say that she is someone whose heart is matched only by her intellect. Robin is an advocate for the environment, but understands enough about the local economic ecosystem that she won't support causes without considering the cost on property owners.

Of course, all the Democratic candidates this year are great. One of the benefits of living in Asheville is that you get to vote for people you like, not against people you don't.

www.brainshrub.com/2005-progressive

miss the general election

Go to the Board of Elections in downtown and do it anytime you'd like.

:D

access to the internet, and there are many local media sites that can be accessed through via the internet, such as the Asheville Citizen Times, and the other local weekly or whatever papers. The TV station has a site, and does have news on their site.

Without wanting to turn this into an attack of any kind, but I have to say, if you are this uninformed, I do not think you should be voting for anyone. This is a NON-partisan election so how will you decide if party affiliations are not listed, by whether you 'like' the sound of their name or not?