|
Big pool of council choices touted
What a wonderful situation it is for our community to have 16 candidates vying for only three seats on Asheville City Council.
The large field of candidates is not unprecedented in Asheville’s recent political history, as there were 14 candidatates on the 2007 ballot.
However, it certainly shows the vitality of citizens here, especially compared to the last councilmanic election, which was in 2013, when there were just eight candidates seeking four seats.
Not only is the field for 2015 unusually sizable, but the quality and diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds of the candidates appear to cover just about every aspect of which one could conceive.
For instance, there are candidates with experience that are seeking seats, including incumbent Vice Mayor Marc Hunt, along with former mayor Ken Michalove and former vice mayor Carl Mumpower.
Also vying is John Miall, a long-time city employee who now works as a private consulant.
Among the other candidates are at least two social activists and, even, a long-haul trucker.
Again, we think the large pool of candidates is indicative of a healthy and involved citizenry that cares about making a difference on the local level.
The primary will be held Oct. 6 to narrow the field to six candidates, followed by the general election on Nov. 3. The election is, at least in theory, considered nonpartisan.
We hope the electorate turnout will match the enthusiasm of this superb collection of candidates.
|
