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PARC/MVA Candidates' Forum Sept. 15  CITY COUNCILMEMBER CANDIDATES WHO SPOKE (clockwise from top left - Bothwell, Jackson, Manheimer, Smith, Mumpower, Miller; Romero is not pictured) 80 to 90 citizens turn out for PARC/MVA political forum Focus on candidates' views on local development *POINTED QUESTIONS about Asheville's development future were fielded by two current Asheville councilmembers and five candidates at Tuesday's public forum | There were no fireworks at last night's (Sept. 15, 2009) forum as candidates answered in a civil manner questions predetermined by the hosts, PARC and MVA, which are citizen grassroots organizations. There was no open microphone for citizens or the media to ask questions from the floor. | A video produced by Charlie Thomas was shown in the beginning of the event. It posed "Yes, No or Pass" questions dealing with 11 controversial local development issues that the candidates addressed throughout the evening. The topics ranged from the approved Ellington high-rise on Biltmore Ave. to proposed development in front of the historic Basilica. The forum asked candidates their views on the approved billboard-sized signage on the Staples store as well as two highly controversial Stewart Coleman developments -- the existing 21 Battery Park condos and the proposed Parkside condos, which is currently being litigated in appeals court and would face Pack Square, which is one of the nation's largest urban park renovations currently under construction. | Appearing were Cecil Bothwell, J. "Jay" Neal Jackson, Esther Manheimer, incumbent Kelly Miller, incumbent Carl Mumpower, Cesar Romero, and Gordon Smith. | Write-in candidate Robin Cape did not participate in the event, since only those officially registered to run were invited to speak. Nonetheless, she greeted people outside at the building's entrance and handed out her campaign literature. | Carl Mumpower, known for his soft spoken yet harsh words as he portrays himself as the community's "watchdog," was more restrained than usual in his statements. However, after the forum, when asked by DowntownAsheville.com if he had become more of "an agitator than an educator lately," Mumpower laughed and said that the citizens would see him "creating even more agitation" during the campaign. | Cecil Bothwell had a number of supporters in the hall who applauded loudly from time to time when he spoke. | The public event was held at the Randolph Learning Center at 90 Montford Ave. (next to the Chamber of Commerce) from 7 to 9 p.m. | This candidates' forum was organized by PARC (People Advocating Real Conservancy) and MVA (Mountain Voices Alliance). | PARC's B.J. Snow and MVA's Elaine Lite served as moderators. Jesse Junior served as time-keeper. | For the event's official announcement, visit MValliance.net or Click Here> |
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