Commissioner David Gantt is seeking our endorsement for chairman of the Buncombe County Commission. Below are his responses to our candidate questionnaire, with our questions in bold.
1. In what areas do you think Buncombe could be leading the rest of the country?
Buncombe County is already leading the rest of the country with Project Access, providing health care and health services to all residents of Buncombe County. We have created regulations concerning placement of cell phone towers that has become the model for the rest of the state. I made numerous successful amendments to the cell tower ordinance to toughen it up. We are the first mountain county to adopt a storm water ordinance. In education, the AB Tech Business Incubator is providing the groundwork for innovation and job creation. We need to continue our forward momentum through our Voluntary Land Conservancy Plan, water agreements that see into the future and have a regional approach, and the continuing development of wise growth policies. We SHOULD be leading the country in green job development and preservation of our mountain beauty, but we are behind in both of these areas.
2. What is your number one priority with regard to development and land use?
Continued work on protecting our steep slopes and ridge tops. I have worked hard my three (3) terms on the County Commission to enact laws that protect and preserve our mountains and open spaces. We have been moderately successful in passing the first storm water, erosion, and zoning laws in our history. We have also been able to enact a Blue Ridge Parkway overlay that protects over-development near that national treasure. I will continue to work on policies that benefit the residents of Buncombe County and not the developers who wish to construct thoughtlessly.
3. Growth projections for Buncombe are continually revised upward. Have previous approaches to development become obsolete? Would you support a temporary moratorium on development while the county works with municipal governments to prepare for these new projections?
Growth is indeed coming to Buncombe County. Many of these folks are coming here to retire but many more are coming to seek a quality of life offered in our mountains. We cannot and should not stop growth. The coming growth is going to strain our infrastructure and re-define how we think about our neighborhoods and our neighbors. In order to maintain a healthy economy and a healthy environment, we have to get in front of the wave and work on wise growth plans NOW. Dialogue is never outdated. Continued conversations throughout the county are important and necessary to wise growth. I support mandatory classes for developers on building in mountain topography, green building and wise building with voluntary compliance based on gained knowledge. I have also proposed a study of impact fees on developers to help finance some of the additional government costs new construction creates for taxpayers.
4. How can the county practice environmental stewardship and promote broad-based economic growth at the same time?
See my answer above. I don’t think environmentally sound practices and economic growth are inconsistent. I believe that the jobs created by “green” industry will eventually rival the number of traditional construction jobs. We have to work with our High Schools, UNCA, Warren Wilson College, and AB Tech to foster the green jobs and move out economy. We have to look at expanding affordable, green housing through partners like Mountain Housing Opportunities.
5. Many of our members want their local governments to lead the way in promoting energy independence and combatting global warming. In what ways should the county work towards these goals?
Energy independence is a goal we must work towards. Several County programs are in place through the landfill working with the methane gas, recycling, energy efficient cars in government fleet. More needs to be done on to promote individual responsibility toward energy usage and conservation and government incentives for alternate forms of energy such as wind and solar energies.
6. Do you see a role for the county in promoting energy efficiency in transportation and residential and business use?
Buncombe County should lead the way on energy efficiency. Many of our short term efforts will be basic, like replacing seventy (70) year old windows in the Buncombe County Courthouse. This is a small step towards a larger problem. We need to look at requiring LEED certification, green roofs, green building and incentives for companies and businesses who recycle go green. I would like to recognize and award best green practices in business and private homes.
7. The county government plays a central role in providing social services. Where has it been most successful? Where does it most need improvement?
Buncombe County has been enormously successful in providing healthcare to all residents. The welfare roles in Buncombe County have declined from a high of almost 7000 individuals to just 700 due to aggressive work and retraining programs and educational offerings. The County partners with Mountain Housing Opportunities, ABCCM, United Way, Eblen Charities to work on programs of workforce housing, fuel oil distribution, and daycare. We have to do better in creating a good supply of housing that working folks can afford.
8. Do you think that the current commission has carried out its work in a manner that is sufficiently transparent? If not, how would you change things?
I voted initially set up televising Commissioner meetings. I also led the fight to create Public Access Television before federal laws closed the window to this programming. Initially, I voted to suspend televising public comment since this time was filled with political campaigning and personal agendas that had little to do with the purpose of public comment- to hear public concerns and questions. With changes to the rules of presentation, I fully support televised commission meetings. The minutes of all meetings are posted on line and video is available through URTV.
9. Has the current commission made decisions that you strongly disagree with? If so, what will you do to remedy those decisions if you are elected?
I most strongly disagreed with the referendum on zoning. We do not have a referendum based government and I will not support motions that call for referendums. North Carolina government, including county, do not adopt the government by referendum guidelines that influence many states such as California. The buck stops with the elected officials. We are elected to make hard decisions and can be voted out if those decisions go against the will of the people. I will not bring up motions for vote without significant public comment.
10. Do you have a plan for how you will win this election? If so, could you briefly describe the elements of your plan?
I plan to make contact with as many voters as possible via speeches, internet, phone and letters. I am not optimistic that I can match my opponent’s $120,000 television budget, but I will do the best I can with the available resources. I will also loan my campaign $10,000 to $15,000.
11. Would you call yourself a political progressive? Why or why not?
Progressive. When I consider new laws, I always put the working men and women I represent in my law practice before other considerations. I believe we have a moral obligation to improve both economic and environmental conditions for our children and grandchildren who will follow us. We are stewards of these beautiful mountains. Once they are developed, we cannot “undevelop” them. I will continue to work hard to make sure developers and construction interests respect our natural resources.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Candidate Questionnaire: Susan Fisher, State House District 114
Susan Fisher is seeking our endorsement as she runs for reelection in state house district 114, which includes most of Asheville's western precincts and parts of Buncombe County outside the city limits. Below are her responses to our candidate questionnaire, with our questions in bold.
1. What are the three biggest challenges facing our state, and, briefly, how do you think we should address them?
Improving Education
We need to reduce the dropout rate and I am glad to be leading a part of the Speaker’s Initiative to address this issue. Money has been appropriated and we have convened some of the most knowledgeable people in education, higher education, business and industry to review what programs are working and what needs to be changed to keep students in school. My co-chair on the House Education committee and I conducted public hearings around the state to find out from students, parents, educators and others what they believe needs to happen in order to stem the dropout rate. That work will continue during the next biennium.
Expanding Access to Health Care
We need to improve the Mental Health System, increase Health Insurance Coverage for children, improve Minority Health outcomes and continue to study ways to provide Health Insurance to all of North Carolina’s residents. There are currently 4.1 million people in North Carolina without health insurance and we need to continue to put pressure on the pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and medical community to assist us in addressing this issue. I am committed to this effort and co-sponsored legislation with Rep. Verla Insko to continue to examine ways to address this important issue.
Protecting the Environment
We have a good beginning to addressing the drought in North Carolina, but the effort needs to continue in terms of education our citizens and our industry leaders about ways to conserve and by providing incentives for using less of these valuable resources. We need to continue to provide opportunities to preserve open land and farmland for future generations, by continuing to provide funds to assist those who wish to keep their land in conservation for particular uses such as farming.
2. What has been your proudest accomplishment during your time in office?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been moving the Comprehensive Health Education bill further than anyone had been able to since the Abstinence Only legislation was passed in the 1990’s. This is a bill that I continue to work to move forward to passage since I believe that we must give our students the information they need to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. The age group with the highest incidence of new HIV cases is between 14 and 21. We now know that teens are engaging in sexual activity in numbers just as high with abstinence only education and I believe our schools must be allowed to provide them with medically accurate and age appropriate education.
3. Do you have any differences with the House Democratic caucus and leadership? In what areas or issues would you seek to move your fellow Democrats in a different direction?
Yes. I have some differences. Although, in general, I believe that leadership under Speaker Joe Hackney has been a breath of fresh air compared to the previous speaker, there are areas where I believe that Democrats are not behaving like Democrats. For example, during the last biennium’s work on the bullying legislation, Rep. Rick Glazier and I worked very hard with the conference committee on this bill to bring agreement and ultimate passage of this important and timely legislation, but there were democrats who felt more allegiance to their conservative religious affiliation than to protection and safety of children. Another example is the recent boat towing legislation. This is one instance where I, and a few others of the “democratic wing” of the democrats in the House voted to sustain the governor’s veto. We were thinking more in terms of public safety concerns. However, the vote resulted in the veto being overturned. I will continue to voice my strong opinions and those of my progressive constituents on issues like these and my hope is that we grow into a legislative body that embraces more of a progressive philosophy.
4. What is your top priority for your next term?
Among my top priorities will of course be education, working with the Speaker to reduce the dropout. I hope to reintroduce the comprehensive health education bill (sex ed) in the House and to continue to grow in influence in the areas of education, health, women’s and children’s issues and the environment.
5. Do you consider yourself a progressive? Why?
Yes! One of the better definitions I have found of what it means to be progressive says that
“A progressive is: open minded, inclusive, compassionate, proactive and engaged in positive change, innovative, sustainable, optimistic, idealistic, for equality and justice, informed and conscious, evolving, and a leader challenging the status quo.”
Historically, progressives advocated for worker’s rights and social justice. We continue to do the same things today, but in a different backdrop within a multiplicity of generations and causes. What I am trying to do is continue the work of what has been referred to as the “democratic wing” of the Democratic Party by adhering and setting an example for others to be led to subscribe to the definition above.
1. What are the three biggest challenges facing our state, and, briefly, how do you think we should address them?
Improving Education
We need to reduce the dropout rate and I am glad to be leading a part of the Speaker’s Initiative to address this issue. Money has been appropriated and we have convened some of the most knowledgeable people in education, higher education, business and industry to review what programs are working and what needs to be changed to keep students in school. My co-chair on the House Education committee and I conducted public hearings around the state to find out from students, parents, educators and others what they believe needs to happen in order to stem the dropout rate. That work will continue during the next biennium.
Expanding Access to Health Care
We need to improve the Mental Health System, increase Health Insurance Coverage for children, improve Minority Health outcomes and continue to study ways to provide Health Insurance to all of North Carolina’s residents. There are currently 4.1 million people in North Carolina without health insurance and we need to continue to put pressure on the pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and medical community to assist us in addressing this issue. I am committed to this effort and co-sponsored legislation with Rep. Verla Insko to continue to examine ways to address this important issue.
Protecting the Environment
We have a good beginning to addressing the drought in North Carolina, but the effort needs to continue in terms of education our citizens and our industry leaders about ways to conserve and by providing incentives for using less of these valuable resources. We need to continue to provide opportunities to preserve open land and farmland for future generations, by continuing to provide funds to assist those who wish to keep their land in conservation for particular uses such as farming.
2. What has been your proudest accomplishment during your time in office?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been moving the Comprehensive Health Education bill further than anyone had been able to since the Abstinence Only legislation was passed in the 1990’s. This is a bill that I continue to work to move forward to passage since I believe that we must give our students the information they need to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. The age group with the highest incidence of new HIV cases is between 14 and 21. We now know that teens are engaging in sexual activity in numbers just as high with abstinence only education and I believe our schools must be allowed to provide them with medically accurate and age appropriate education.
3. Do you have any differences with the House Democratic caucus and leadership? In what areas or issues would you seek to move your fellow Democrats in a different direction?
Yes. I have some differences. Although, in general, I believe that leadership under Speaker Joe Hackney has been a breath of fresh air compared to the previous speaker, there are areas where I believe that Democrats are not behaving like Democrats. For example, during the last biennium’s work on the bullying legislation, Rep. Rick Glazier and I worked very hard with the conference committee on this bill to bring agreement and ultimate passage of this important and timely legislation, but there were democrats who felt more allegiance to their conservative religious affiliation than to protection and safety of children. Another example is the recent boat towing legislation. This is one instance where I, and a few others of the “democratic wing” of the democrats in the House voted to sustain the governor’s veto. We were thinking more in terms of public safety concerns. However, the vote resulted in the veto being overturned. I will continue to voice my strong opinions and those of my progressive constituents on issues like these and my hope is that we grow into a legislative body that embraces more of a progressive philosophy.
4. What is your top priority for your next term?
Among my top priorities will of course be education, working with the Speaker to reduce the dropout. I hope to reintroduce the comprehensive health education bill (sex ed) in the House and to continue to grow in influence in the areas of education, health, women’s and children’s issues and the environment.
5. Do you consider yourself a progressive? Why?
Yes! One of the better definitions I have found of what it means to be progressive says that
“A progressive is: open minded, inclusive, compassionate, proactive and engaged in positive change, innovative, sustainable, optimistic, idealistic, for equality and justice, informed and conscious, evolving, and a leader challenging the status quo.”
Historically, progressives advocated for worker’s rights and social justice. We continue to do the same things today, but in a different backdrop within a multiplicity of generations and causes. What I am trying to do is continue the work of what has been referred to as the “democratic wing” of the Democratic Party by adhering and setting an example for others to be led to subscribe to the definition above.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)