Asheville city council candidate Brian Haynes defended his son and campaign manager, who is facing felony drug charges. Austin Haynes was reported to have been arrested and charged with possession of around six pounds of marijuana. The candidate told WCQS he knew that his son's arrest could become public during the campaign. He declined to comment on the specific charges, but said he loves his son and is proud of him. Haynes said he wouldn't have wanted anyone else to be his campaign manager, calling his son one of the most socially conscious people he knew. He says he hopes voters won't see this as a big issue. He also says it's time to decriminalize marijuana.
Brian Haynes finished second in primary voting for Asheville's city council and is now one of six candidates vying for three open seats in the November 3rd general election. Early voting started today (Thursday). The other candidates are Marc Hunt, Rich Lee, Julie Mayfield, Lindsey Simerly, and Keith Young.
You can hear Brian Haynes' full comments in the audio above.