Asheville NC, the good, the bad, and the ugly

[ralgood4u]

I will start by saying I absolutely love Asheville. No other city in North Carolina has the charm, beauty and diversity of Asheville. However, I do have one grim point with the city of Asheville. I strongly believe that values of city counsel shouldn't interfere with free trade. I do not agree with some establishments retail practices, but I do believe the city should not target businesses that do not meet there status of a business they would like in their "bubble vision" of a city.

Specifically I’m talking about the city's hard core enforcement of the adult business industry. I recently went to a shop to get a gag gift for my wife for our 25th anniversary. The police stopped me and wondered what I was doing there. A public place, open for business. One officer specifically stated that the city counsel doesn't like this particular establishment, so they are trying to close it down with police enforcement.

I really could care less what color you are, what excites you, or what you are most attracted to. I will consider not moving to a city where political influence also contributes to the prosecution of persons because of members beliefs.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by ralgood4u

I will start by saying I absolutely love Asheville. No other city in North Carolina has the charm, beauty and diversity of Asheville. However, I do have one grim point with the city of Asheville. I strongly believe that values of city counsel shouldn't interfere with free trade. I do not agree with some establishments retail practices, but I do believe the city should not target businesses that do not meet there status of a business they would like in their "bubble vision" of a city.

Specifically I’m talking about the city's hard core enforcement of the adult business industry. I recently went to a shop to get a gag gift for my wife for our 25th anniversary. The police stopped me and wondered what I was doing there. A public place, open for business. One officer specifically stated that the city counsel doesn't like this particular establishment, so they are trying to close it down with police enforcement.

I really could care less what color you are, what excites you, or what you are most attracted to. I will consider not moving to a city where political influence also contributes to the prosecution of persons because of members beliefs.

The current mayor of Asheville would ban all alcohol if she had the power. During a routine council meeting last year they were going over permits for different festivals (large and small) that occur in the city most years.

She voiced her opposition to allowing the sale of beer at the "Brewgrass Festival" that occurs in September every year, featuring local and craft breweries and bluegrass music. There are 4 members (a majority) on council that clearly have their own agenda, and in no way represent the citizens (a.k.a. taxpayers) of Asheville.

[Researching Retirement]

Ashville Native,

How do 4 people that in no way representent the taxpayers of Asheville get elected to the city council? I'm not disputing your statement or opinion, just curious why you believe the majority view doesn't get represented.

[Asheville Native]

#1 is voter apathy. The last election for 3 seats on council produced about a 20% turnout. And even with that low a turnout, one of those that didn't represent the people was turned out. (Prior to November there were 5 on council purely with their own agenda)

#2 enough people vote purely on race/gender irregardless of the candidates platform to tip the scale. Asheville has a black woman as Mayor. They are still the knee jerk positions that garner votes without considering the total package. Issues such as "big box stores are bad bad bad" or "green at any cost" emotional issues.

#3 A number on council, including the mayor work for non-profit do good organizations, and while claiming otherwise they are clearly trying to steer huge amounts of tax revenue toward these non-profits or co-supporting agendas. Providing free housing for ALL homeless people, irregardless of sobriety, criminal record, or drug abuse, all on the backs of the true taxpayers here, property owners. Let the people that support those agenda's contribute to the cause, and don't steer taxpayer dollars in that direction.

For a municipality, the tax revenue collected, primarily from property taxes should be utilized ONLY to provide infrastructure services (fire, police, sanitation, streets, etc.), and not to house, feed, entertain anyone or to waste on some really butt ugly (and overpriced) junk they call art. But when a contributor wants them to buy art, we get to pay for some really crappy junk, excuse me, "art".

[vandemusser]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

#1 is voter apathy. The last election for 3 seats on council produced about a 20% turnout. And even with that low a turnout, one of those that didn't represent the people was turned out. (Prior to November there were 5 on council purely with their own agenda)

#2 enough people vote purely on race/gender irregardless of the candidates platform to tip the scale. Asheville has a black woman as Mayor. They are still the knee jerk positions that garner votes without considering the total package. Issues such as "big box stores are bad bad bad" or "green at any cost" emotional issues.

#3 A number on council, including the mayor work for non-profit do good organizations, and while claiming otherwise they are clearly trying to steer huge amounts of tax revenue toward these non-profits or co-supporting agendas. Providing free housing for ALL homeless people, irregardless of sobriety, criminal record, or drug abuse, all on the backs of the true taxpayers here, property owners. Let the people that support those agenda's contribute to the cause, and don't steer taxpayer dollars in that direction.

For a municipality, the tax revenue collected, primarily from property taxes should be utilized ONLY to provide infrastructure services (fire, police, sanitation, streets, etc.), and not to house, feed, entertain anyone or to waste on some really butt ugly (and overpriced) junk they call art. But when a contributor wants them to buy art, we get to pay for some really crappy junk, excuse me, "art".

Many of the reasons why Asheville is considered a desirable place to live are the very reasons you list as why your money is being wasted. Downtown Asheville is a cool town in my opinion for the very reasons you list:

1. there are no big box stores downtown. If I wanted that, I'd move back to Omaha.
2. there is an increasing emphasis on green, environmentally sensitive design. The idea of LEED-accreditation for all new buildings downtown would be a very exciting prospect for the evolution of downtown. As an architect who lives and works downtown, I do feel that this is a direction that we need to be heading, especially in light of what is happening to fuel prices.
3. there is an emphasis on the arts - music, art, cultural events. While Bele Chere is a little too hectic for my taste, I appreciate that it occurs in the town where I live. Brewgrass, on the other hand, is about as close to heaven as it gets.
4. We do have a well-spoken, intelligent, African-American, female mayor. Even if I don't always agree with her positions, I am proud that she holds that office. And whether you like it or not, she was elected by the people who voted in the election.
5. there is an attempt to address local social problems - homelessness being a very important one. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Giving them bus tickets to go to Charlotte won't either.

Moderator cut: TOS violation

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by vandemusser

Many of the reasons why Asheville is considered a desirable place to live are the very reasons you list as why your money is being wasted. Downtown Asheville is a cool town in my opinion for the very reasons you list:

1. there are no big box stores downtown. If I wanted that, I'd move back to Omaha.

And every effort is being made to block them anywhere the city has any control. That is why West Asheville will not have a Wal-Mart, and Weaverville is getting one.

Originally Posted by vandemusser

2. there is an increasing emphasis on green, environmentally sensitive design. The idea of LEED-accreditation for all new buildings downtown would be a very exciting prospect for the evolution of downtown. As an architect who lives and works downtown, I do feel that this is a direction that we need to be heading, especially in light of what is happening to fuel prices.

A building can be very energy efficent without all the expense of hoopla of LEEDs or whatever.

Originally Posted by vandemusser

3. there is an emphasis on the arts - music, art, cultural events. While Bele Chere is a little too hectic for my taste, I appreciate that it occurs in the town where I live. Brewgrass, on the other hand, is about as close to heaven as it gets.

Bele Share is a crappy tourist attraction, a venue for out of town street hawkers, and many local stores in the downtown just close for the duration. It is not the purpose of any government to entertain anyone with taxpayer dollars, and this money sucking event is doing just that, 20 some years, and in the red every single year.

Originally Posted by vandemusser

4. We do have a well-spoken, intelligent, African-American, female mayor. Even if I don't always agree with her positions, I am proud that she holds that office. And whether you like it or not, she was elected by the people who voted in the election.

Moderator cut: off topic
My objection to her is not her color or her gender, but her agenda. She works for a non-profit, and her mindset while sitting in the mayors chair is to continue her do good/feel good non-profit work.

Originally Posted by vandemusser

5. there is an attempt to address local social problems - homelessness being a very important one. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Giving them bus tickets to go to Charlotte won't either.

Have you ever heard the term "build it and they will come". You can bet your rising tax bills on that. The homeless have their own network, and the word is out that Asheville is a easy score, and the easier it becomes, the more will come.

Moderator cut: off topic

[autumngal]

Thank you everyone for participating in this thread. And I just wanted to let you know this thread is now closed. Please feel free to start a new thread if you choose.