Brownie Newman announced Jan. 21 that he will seek re-election to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.

Newman, a Democrat, was elected to represent District 1 in 2012. A Newman press release, noted that he “quickly made a difference on the commission by enacting policies to advance clean energy, build new public schools, create living wage jobs and assure equal right for all public employees.”

Further, Newman stated, “It has been an honor to serve on the Buncombe County Commission for the past year. I am excited about the progress we have made in making Buncombe County a national leader for clean energy, supporting equal rights for all our public employees and making historic investments improve our public schools, including a new Isaac Dickson Elementary School and Asheville Middle School.” 

Newman is a partner at FLS Energy, a local solar energy company. During his time at FLS, the company has grown from seven employees to more than forty and is now one of the leading solar energy companies in the country. Newman grew up on a working farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

 “I feel fortunate to have been able to grow up in these beautiful mountains, and I want to make sure this remains a great place to live. I am committed to protecting our mountain environment, creating living wage jobs and assuring equal rights for all.” 

As a county commissioner, Newman sponsored an Energy Independence proposal that commits the County to reduce its carbon footprint by 80 percent and to implementing energy efficiency measures that are projected to save taxpayers more than $1 million over the next ten years. 

Newman noted that he also supported a proposal to assure equal workplace rights to all county employees regardless of sexual orientation. Before adoption of this policy, he said, “LGBT employees were denied basic benefits, such as health insurance for their partners, that were provided to all other employees.” 

Newman added, “I am proud that Buncombe County has taken a stand in support of equality for all our public employees. I want Buncombe County to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive community.” 

The Buncombe County Commission consists of six members elected by district as well as a chair that is elected county-wide. Newman represents District 1, which includes most of Asheville as well as parts of Woodfin and Swannanoa. 

Newman holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. He served two terms on Asheville City Council from 2003 to 2011. He lives with his wife, Beth, and two children, Tess and Lizzy, in the Montford neighborhood.

Trey Gowdy to give talk at Lincoln-Reagan Dinner

U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., will be special guest and keynote speaker at the annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner 2014, the Buncombe County Republican Party announced on Jan. 30.

The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 12 at Renaissance Downtown Asheville at 31 Woodfin St. A reception will precede the dinner at 5 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale, beginning the first week of February.