Eight hopefuls are vying for a role in Asheville’s local governance.
At an event hosted by transit advocacy organization Asheville on Bikes on Feb. 8, five of the eight candidates shared their perspectives on transportation issues facing the city, from bike lanes and bus routes to parking infrastructure.
Moderator Stephanie Morgan reminded the crowd gathered at Wedge Brewing that the work of local leadership is not the highest compensated.
“I looked up the salary that is published for City Council members – turns out none of these people are doing this for the money. So please be kind to them.”
City Council members make $19,011 annually.
There are three open seats on council. Incumbents Kim Roney and Sage Turner are running for re-election – while current vice mayor and councilwoman Sandra Kilgore has opted not to run again.
CJ Domingo, Tod Leaven, Bo Hess, Kevan Frazier, Iindia Pearson, and Taylor Breanne Breeden are all running in the primary. In-person early voting for the primary election kicks off on February 15 and election day is March 5.
The top six candidates will move on to the general election.
Want to see the candidates in action?
- Watch the video of the Asheville on Bikes candidate forum.
- Watch part one and part two of an Asheville City Council forum hosted by WPVM and moderated by Chris Cooper of Western Carolina University.
Learn more about how Asheville City Council works from this comprehensive guide – and stay up to date with our current City Council and County Commission via BPR’s weekly Last Night At series.
