From Staff Reports

Asheville native Sandra Kilgore will seek the seat of District 49 in the North Carolina Senate, according to a press release she emailed to the Daily Planet on Jan. 30. 

She is presently a member of the Asheville City Council and served for three years on the city Planning & Zoning Board. 

Kilgore, a Democrat, “is a critical thinker and a fierce advocate; evident in her stance on repurposing of the Vance Monument,” the release stated.

“She is obviously not afraid of a fight. She demonstrated her ability to see beyond the immediate challenges and look at the consequences long-term. She viewed it as an opportunity to bring unity to an already fragmented community, a perspective rarely taken by today’s politicians. 

“While on council, Kilgore gained an understanding of the importance of being at the table if you want to affect change. 

“She feels that while many decisions are made with good intentions, they may sometimes have negative repercussions for others.” 

Her press release then quoted Kilgore as saying, “Having a group of people familiar with the many nuances of various communities is the best way to ensure outcomes that are equitable and prosperous for all. Many of the decisions made by the City Council are limited by state laws. Representation on all levels must be realized to ensure the voices of those most impacted are heard.”

The release added, “Sandra decided to run for Senate to be a voice for area residents. She realizes the importance of working together and negotiating in order to create solutions that benefit the county as a whole. Sandra is no stranger to the art of negotiations, as her business in real estate depends on it. She believes that even amidst a crisis, there are opportunities to be found. However, we must be willing to seek out areas where we can agree, reaching across the aisles and moving forward on those items. The worst outcome is to do nothing.

“Kilgore’s decision to run was also due to the fact that many of our rights are under attack. Rights that we felt were protected are now being dismantled and weakened through state and local legislation. It is time to have those conversations as to how we can move forward without stepping on the rights of others. 

“Another issue of concern Kilgore said is the damage that is being done to our values and integrity.”

The release quoted Kilgore as saying, “We must all do what we can to bring back civility. We cannot stand idly by while our democracy is being dismantled right before our eyes. This is not the time to be apathetic. This affects us all. It does not matter what race, religion or political affiliation. We all have to ask ourselves, is this the type of society we want for our children?”

Kilgore is a member of the Land of the Sky Board of Directors, as well as a liaison to the TDA Board of Directors, Greater Asheville Regional Airport, The African-American Heritage Commission, Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustments and Parks And Recreation. She is also assigned to the following City of Asheville committees: Planning and Economic Development, Finance & Human Resources and Public Safety.

Kilgore was born and raised in Asheville. She attended Asheville City Schools and continued her education at UNC Asheville, majoring in art and art history. She began her career as a flight attendant in 1976 for Piedmont Airlines. She later was selected to train in London with British Airways due to a code agreement between the airlines.