Get to know the seven candidates in the 2022 Black Mountain election
Incumbents and challengers running for mayor and town council address local issues in Q&A
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 6, 2022
Residents of Black Mountain will cast their ballots this fall, as seven candidates seek to represent them in three seats on the town’s governing body. The field features current mayor Larry Harris and former mayor Mike Sobol, each of whom are campaigning to return to the office, while five candidates, including incumbent Bill Christy, are vying for a pair of terms on the town council.
Challengers Rick Earley, Weston Hall, Alice Berry and Sonny Moore will also appear as candidates for town council on the ballots at the five polling locations in Black Mountain, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Buncombe County residents can register to vote in the 2022 general election, through 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14, while early voting will be available at the Black Mountain Public Library, beginning at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20.
With the election season approaching, The Valley Echo invited the candidates to participate in an introductory question-and-answer piece. The responses from all of the Black Mountain candidates are below.
Larry B. Harris
The Valley Echo: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Larry Harris: Black Mountain is my hometown. I was born at St Joseph’s hospital across the street from Mission Hospital in 1954. The current St Joseph building is scheduled for demolition soon, but the building I was born in is long gone. I have two older sisters, Ann and Nancy. An older brother, Bruce and two younger sisters, Jane and Rachel. My youngest sister, Rachel McMahan taught school here in Black Mountain or Swannanoa until retirement a few years back, as did her husband Jack.
I attended local schools. School days were very happy days. The pursuits not always academic but certainly engaging. I graduated from Owen 50 years ago in 1972. In senior superlatives I was named the most athletic (guy) in that class, but the best athletes in our class comprised of, pretty much, the entire roster of the women’s basketball team. The Warlassies in the class of 1972 were very accomplished. Of course, the feats of the Owen Warlassies over many years are well known in the Valley’s history.
My family faithfully attended the First Baptist Church in Black Mountain, which holds special memories and friends from school days and from church. Many of the same friends continue to be very dear to me to this day. I am blest and grateful to have grown up here.
TVE: Why are you running for mayor?
Harris: The mayor votes only to break a tie, which means the mayor hardly ever votes at all. However, an effective mayor is important and needed for effective town government.
The mayor should ably and professionally represent the town in Black Mountain and within Buncombe County. I am honored to have the support of many past and present council members, and honored also to have the support of Buncombe County Commission Chairman Brownie Newman to continue serving as Mayor for the Town of Black Mountain.
An effective mayor works with the town manager very closely and collaboratively and serves as a conduit to council and to the community. Council directs the town manager, and the town manager directs the department heads. An effective mayor is a needed “conductor” that orchestrates the relationship between council and town manager. This is done through honest and professional relationships and communication. When something isn’t working as it should, we all together work to make it better.
Lastly, an effective mayor is a help and support to council in their public deliberations and decision making, and help to the public in understanding the issues being addressed by council.
I am running for mayor because I feel I have carried out these three important tasks in a reasonable and effective manner and would be honored to serve council, staff and our citizens as your mayor for the next four years.
TVE: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the town?
Harris: Fire and police protection, picking up the solid waste and recycling each week, providing recreation outlets for all ages and keeping the water flowing. These services and many others make up the day-in and day-out work of government.
Important issues in maintaining and improving on the day-to-day work of town government and welfare of our citizens are managing growth, maintaining a well-paid, well-trained and motivated town staff and keeping the town in a healthy financial position.
The incredible growth in the Town of Black Mountain and Buncombe County over the past few years calls for thoughtful planning and zoning, attention to infrastructure and attention to the environment in developing our policies.
The Town of Black Mountain has to compete and win in a very competitive market place for practically every position on town staff. This is a huge issue and one that council has currently made a priority.
Responsible financial management is always a top issue and centers on maintaining a tax rate our citizens can afford but sufficient to provide services our citizens expect. The current council maintained a revenue neutral property tax rate at the conclusion of the most recent county and state mandated property revaluation. The revenue neutral rate is a state mandated calculation. I hope to have the opportunity discuss financial issues in more detail later.
TVE: How would you work with the town council to address those issues?
Harris: Currently the council has budgeted funds for the development of a Unified Development Ordinance, created a storm water utility and budgeted funds for an update of our Parks and Recreation Master Plan, all of which help lay the groundwork for policies that will be geared toward the growth our town is experiencing.
Council has budgeted funds for a wage and salary study that will provide a base line in our planning to assure we are paying staff competitively and helping us maintain a capable workforce. Over the last budget cycle, we held workshops on transportation funding and on an analysis of our debt capacity.
Council budgeted funds for new financial and accounting software that is near installation. The new software should provide a powerful tool to assist staff with timely information for internal management and reporting to Council and the public throughout the year.
As you can see, council and staff have laid a good foundation to address the issue of growth, workforce and financial stability but all three issues require continued diligence and attention every month.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Harris: I have been a certified public accountant since 1985 and a certified financial planner for the past twenty years. I currently serve as Director of Tax with Parsec Financial, which is headquartered in Asheville with offices in Tryon, Charlotte, Winston Salem and Southern Pines. Prior to becoming a shareholder and employee at Parsec financial, I was co-owner of the public accounting firm of Burlingham & Harris, PA.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the position?
Harris: I have accumulated a considerable amount of board service over the course of my career that I think helpful in understanding and carrying out the work of an effective mayor.
I recently joined the Board of Directors (BOD) of Givens Communities, and am very excited to serve considering the incredible investment that Givens Communities is making on the Highland Farms campus in Black Mountain. I served three terms on the BOD for Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, serving as Board Treasurer most of those years. I currently serve as chair of the BOD for both Mission Hospital and Carepartners Health Services.
I have served approximately nine years on Black Mountain Town Council and more than two years as mayor. I was appointed by council to serve as a delegate representing the town at two regional boards: Land of Sky Regional Council (LOSRC) and the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO). I was fortunate to have served as chair at LOSRC and am the current chair of the FBRMPO. I am appreciative of council appointing me to represent Black Mountain and believe that participating in leadership and making connections at both regional boards helpful to the town of Black Mountain.
In summary, I believe that my professional skills in financial services and years of service in both not for profit and government boards are substantial qualifications for serving as mayor for the Town of Black Mountain.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected mayor?
Harris: Greenway construction is my top priority. In a public meeting on Oct. 29, 2020, council learned that a planned bridge over Flat Creek could not meet NCDOT specifications. We had hit a dead end after years of planning work Riverwalk Greenway. In 2021 Council requested the FBRMPO to convert Riverwalk Greenway design from one into two projects which would pave the way for the design and construction of the planned route from Black Mountain Avenue to connect with current greenway at Veterans Park.
This is section B of the project. We have had some unfortunate delays in engineering support in 2022 but believe we are back on track and have been told by Michael Baker International that we should be able to meet the schedule set forth in the North Carolina State Transportation plan for section B which calls for engineering in 2022 and construction in 2023. This project a priority for council and for town staff.
Other priorities are to work with council and town staff in follow up to a wage and salary study and an update of our Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Council will deploy the remainder ($1.3 million) of the American Rescue Plan funds received by the town.
We have numerous constructions projects that are going out to bid and hopefully construction and completion in the next year. Important policy issues that will be before council soon will involve short term rentals and discussions regarding a tree ordinance.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Harris: Should readers want to learn more about my campaign and position on local issues they should feel free to email me at larryat85@gmail.com. All my contact information is available on the Town of Black Mountain website.
Mike Sobol
TVE: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Mike Sobol: Since I was born, 72 years ago. With the exception of four years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Chemistry, one year traveling outside the U.S., and six months playing rugby and racing motorcycles in England.
TVE: Why are you running for mayor?
Sobol: The job of mayor is not just tor preside over the meeting of the town council, but to provide leadership and vision that will inspire the endorsement of the board. A change is needed. A change in the accountability of the town manager and the town planner. A change in the way town hall is not responsive many times to calls from the citizens. A change in providing information and documents when requested by the citizens. A change in listening to what folks are saying that needs to be done and checked out.
We need better visions. We need to build better insulated structures to achieve the goal of "heat it with a candle-cool it with a fan.” This is what our community can contribute to the global warming crisis. We can use the kitchen at Carver School with A-B Tech instructors to train the ladies at the women's prison with culinary and hospitality skills, so that when they when they leave they can earn a living wage and help with shortage of skilled labor in the hospitality arena. We can install speed humps to slow down speeders, thus helping the burden on the police. We all need to become more involved in our town to help build a better sense of community while advancing our democracy. I will work hard for that goal.
TVE: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the town?
Sobol: As stated earlier, the top priority is the accountability of those in charge at town hall and the lack of getting things done, like with stormwater. We pay $72 per household and significant accomplishments have been done besides a few workshops, some mailings and a few ditches cleaned out? How about something meaningful like running a camera though all the storm water drains and pipes and record there condition and collection of sediment, gravel, etc.? Maybe this has been done, but like a lot of things that happen at town hall, we don't know about it. “Too expensive” is an excuse given for why we don't see more information printed in the newspaper. There are other problems, but you get the picture.
In 1994 Michael Blaine and I laid out a plan for a greenway stretching from Montreat to the Veterans Park, which was finally adopted. Several sections have been completed but over the past five years, the town has spent close to $750,000 with nothing on the ground—no pavement, no trail, nothing. We can do better and again this is a direct reflection of town hall.
The third main issue is parking. We need to be bold. We need to get in touch with Ingles and work out deal to buy the old Bi Lo building and parking lot. Not only would we have ample parking for businesses, but we would have a usable building for recreation.
TVE: How would you work with the town council to address those issues?
Sobol: If elected, I would recommend a full day retreat to go over all the issues that I have raised and all those that the other candidates have raised, including the budget. Honest people can disagree, and while I'm sure the board had it's reasons for past decisions, open dialogue with this smart progressive council could result in a new direction for our town. The advantages of more open government, more dialogue and more participation on our many boards will lead to new ideas that all of us can compromise upon. Maybe an open town hall every other month where folks just come in and the council just answers questions. It won't happen overnight, but when we can agree to disagree, be willing to compromise and give credit to others, the future is bright-there is hope.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Sobol: For over 45 years I have been involved with building affordable housing and still am involved on the rental side. Affordable housing is an issue that comes up at every election where it is talked about, tossed about but in the end it usually is nothing more than idle chatter. My wife and I are proud to offer affordable housing to many families. With rents skyrocketing , we have keep our rates low. Our mobile home lots rent for half of what is the average in the county, at almost $400 for just the lot. Our apartments are also less than the county average by several hundreds of dollars. It's not just the government who needs to be involved in affordable housing but landlords as well.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the position?
Sobol: For 22 years, before I sold to my brother in 1994, I was president and third owner of Sobol House of Furnishings, a furniture store, selling high end furniture to folks all over the U.S. and even shipping to customers in foreign countries. Those years of managing 18 employees gave me experience of dealing with large budgets and personnel, but also learning one of the most important lessons in life—how to get along with others. During that time I was voted to be President of the North Caroline Furniture Retailers Association, served two years a Chairman of the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, as well as two years as head of the Sourwood Festival. After that I was on Metropolitan Sewerage Board for 12 years and was elected vice chairman. Also, during that time I served 10 years as an Alderman on the Black Mountain Town Council and then served four years as your Mayor.
Just being on a board doesn't mean much unless you can help make a difference. During my three years on the Bounty & Soul board, I took on the project of doubling our refrigeration capacity by purchasing an old ocean container, retrofitting it to maintain 39 degrees, allowing it to operate for only $10 a month.
Again, learning how to get along with people and being able to listen are skills that will always be needed.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected mayor?
Sobol: As stated earlier, the top priority is getting accountability and supervision of town hall, especially the budget. Please note that in the past three years our population has only increased by 3%, yet our town budget has surged by over 40%. Do we really need a project director and a storm water director when we have a town planner? We aren't NASA. Each department has a department head and there is also the town manager.
Better supervision of developers and the permitting process is in need of review. With problems on South Park Lane and other issues with developers, closer supervision is warranted, especially when the town planner and town manager have decided to let Buncombe County building inspectors to take over that function in Black Mountain. We will be losing over $300,000 to 350,000.00 in lost fee revenue.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Sobol: Readers can contact me directly on my cell phone 828-777-0881 or visit our Facebook page: Mike Sobol For Mayor. Anyone can send a direct email to mikesobolformayor@gmail.com
Bill Christy
TVE: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Bill Christy: Deirdre and I moved here in August of 1995, and have lived in the same house since then. Black Mountain was a very different place then, and I suspect in 2050 it will be a very different place from what it is now.
TVE: Why are you running for town council?
Christy: I was lucky enough to be chosen by the current council to fill Tim Raines’ seat when he moved to Florida, and have served since July of 2021 on the town council. There is definitely a learning curve for understanding the budget, how the town operates, and the various matters that are properly the concerns of the town council. Though I have not been on the council long, I think that the experience I have is invaluable and will make me an effective member for the next four years should the voters choose me. I enjoy working with fellow town council members and town staff, and I think that my experience as an attorney in Black Mountain for 27 years, as well as my community involvement over the years, gives me a unique perspective on the job.
TVE: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the town?
Christy: I think the top priorities are, first, making sure that we do all that we can to retain current staff and attract the best employees possible. It is much easier and economically efficient to retain employees that to absorb the costs of hiring and training new ones. This was agreed by the town council as the top priority in our March 5, 2022 retreat, and I affirm that priority.
Next we need to make sure that our citizens are safe, and this encompasses supporting our police and fire departments and making sure that they have the proper training and equipment to perform their jobs.
Finally, the issues of the pressures of growth and how our town is changing and will continue to change over time demand time and attention from the town council. This includes examining and paying attention to the revision of the UDO process, as well as listening to citizens to understand their concerns about these issues.
TVE: How would you work with the town council to address those issues?
Christy: I think being able to be a cooperative and productive member of the council is paramount. This includes careful listening to other council members and understanding how to work cooperatively and how to respectfully disagree without being disagreeable should there be differences of opinions. I believe that I have the skills to demonstrate civility and respect, which are some of the lynch pins of an effective democracy. There is certainly room for certain council members to have issues that they are more passionate about than others, but it is when there is a cooperative effort that is when the most progress can be attained. The current council has demonstrated those qualities since I have been on it, and I am proud to be a member of a well functioning council.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Christy: I retired in January after practicing law for over 32 years, the last 27 of which were with the firm of Stone & Christy in Black Mountain. I was lucky to work with an outstanding group of lawyers and staff over the years, as we assisted clients with matters ranging from the mundane to the highly charged. I think that I was able consistently to demonstrate an ability to carefully listen to understand a client’s situation, honor confidences of clients, and to work cooperatively on resolutions.
In April of this year I began working at my alma mater, Warren Wilson College, and, on May 15, assumed the duties of interim president of the college. I will serve in that capacity until a new permanent successor is appointed, likely in the late spring or early summer of 2023.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to this position?
Christy: In addition to my professional experience as an attorney and my executive experience at Warren Wilson, I have served on a number of community boards over the years. Among those are the Rotary Club (and Rotary Youth Exchange), Warren Wilson College Board of Trustees, Black Mountain Center Foundation, Buncombe County Bar, Black Mountain Center Foundation, Treasurer at St. James Episcopal Church and Black Mountain Savings Bank. I was actively involved in activities that my three children were when they were young, including various school groups, assisting with coaching baseball and soccer and scouts. I did all of these things because I care about the community that we live in, and have endeavored to try to make it a better place.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Christy: To continue to work cooperatively with town staff and fellow council members, as well as listen to the concerns of citizens.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Christy: I do not have a website, I am not buying or placing political signs, or any other typical activities of a political campaign. I have not sought nor will I accept any donations; I spent $5 on the filing fee, and that will be all that I spend on this campaign. I prefer to focus my efforts on continuing to do a good job on the town council. I will stand on my record and on the word of my fellow citizens who know me.
I look forward to the various opportunities for speaking through the candidate forums. I honestly believe that the local issues are very limited – supporting our town employees and supporting the various programs of the town including recreation activities. There is very little discretionary room in the town budget as most costs are either employee costs or state or federal mandated spending. Thankfully we are not engaging in the divisive partisan battles that consume the state and federal governments, as our role on town council is constrained and limited – we should all be grateful for that.
Weston Hall
TVE: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Weston Hall: We have lived in Black Mountain for fourteen years.
My wife and I were in Northern Uganda near the Congo and Sudan prior to coming to Black Mountain. We were working with the Acholi tribe building and staffing pre-schools along with building playgrounds with natural materials. We came to Black Mountain because of some dear friends I met while volunteering in Hurricane Katrina relief work. I lived in New Orleans during Katrina. Many of the volunteers I worked with in the hurricane relief areas were from Asheville or lived in the area. I worked beside some of the most amazingly giving people with an outpouring spirit which was beyond comprehension. We wanted to be surrounded by such people and Black Mountain has not disappointed us.
Also, My wife, Kiersten, worked for Billy Graham for almost a decade and worked at the Cove for a short time, in between years of working all over North America. She knew most of the amazing people who worked with Dr. Graham and several settled here in WNC. We wanted to be a part of such an amazing legacy as well.
Black Mountain is our home. For the first seven years here we rented our home and then we were able to purchase it from our generous landlords. Small town life has revealed so many daily gifts. It is where we are raising our children, serving as a foster family, building strong neighborhoods, advocating for others and taking in the natural beauty everyday.
TVE: Why are you running for town council?
Hall: I would like to be your next council member because I have been engaged in town issues for over a decade. If elected I pledge to hold an in-person or online ‘town hall’ every month so that I have an opportunity to hear from you.
I have a vested interest because I am raising a young family and this is our community. I want to see it shine. I will represent the opinions of all. My wife and I are dedicated to empowering those around us and connecting people together who, regardless of political party, should be represented. We concentrate our efforts on different projects and issues, but they all have the good of the community in common. As a council member, I will represent our community by listening, advocating and acting. I want my voice to be your voice. I am a husband and a father working hard to ensure my family and community are heard in all matters that affect our daily existence. I want to make sure the leadership of Black Mountain keeps family values, needs and locally owned commerce at the forefront of all decisions.
The comprehensive plan clearly outlined the will of the people and that will was for us to have a thriving, green community with plenty of parks, affordable housing, bike lanes, concentration on stormwater management, preservation of our environment and the natural wonders which are all around us. This is a spectacular place which needs to be preserved for future generations.
TVE: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the town?
Hall: My family has seen some really awesome people leave our lives because they could not afford to live in Black Mountain. They loved it here and brought such a rich, vibrant spirit. It is tough to see. We need affordable housing. Specifically, we need to devote our energy to workforce housing. Affordable housing and workforce housing do not have to be mutually exclusive. We can do both really well. I believe we are lacking in providing homes for the working class. We need to create a living space for those who work in the service industry, emergency services, artist and trade workers.
Also, I have pushed for paying our town employees a living wage. There was a pay study in 2013 where it was noted that our town employees were being payed well below the standards in WNC. The 2013 board of aldermen decided not to act on the pay study which is a travesty. This year I have attended all the budget meetings and I believe we can be good stewards of our tax money while we are paying our employees a living wage.
Lastly, since we have a complaint driven system of government we need a central app like ‘Asheville App’ which will track complaints. This will ensure complaints are distributed to the correct departments for reconciliation and they are tracked by the sender and the community.
TVE: How would you work with the town council to address those issues?
Hall: I work with the town council on a number of issues already. I see the transition from citizen to town council as seamless. I am in constant contact with not only our town council but town manager along with department heads as we work together to make our town a better place for its citizens.
I love working with people who support the same issue or at least part of an issue where there needs to be improvement. I concentrate on the betterment of humanity and working together to achieve goals to move us in the right direction.
Using affordable housing as an issue I propose we turn a good portion of the former juvenile center which was absorbed by the women’s prison into parks, affordable housing, and wildlife sanctuary. I’ve been working on this project for six years and deemed it ‘Prisons to Parks’. It’s in the county but in our fire district. It sits on the proposed greenway and will be an asset to our community for years to come along with a beautiful place for our artists, those who work in the service industry, town staff, fire fighters and police to live.
We are all in this together and must work together to ensure a better Black Mountain.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Hall: Service is an outpouring of my spirit. I cannot help but to serve others in some capacity which naturally makes me a philanthropist, humanitarian and environmentalist. Currently, I serve to make Asheville a safer place as an Assistant Fire Marshal. I am still a firefighter and routinely ride the truck. I have worked 14 years as a firefighter and the connection you form serving your community is incredible meeting your neighbors one siren at a time. I believe if you can get payed to serve then you are in the right profession.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to this position?
Hall: I have worked in emergency services, the corporate world, as a humanitarian, pastor, and in the army. I am a team player. I am an artist and I think outside the box with ideas large and small benefiting humanity and our planet. Here is what I have learned in the different stages in my life if they could be defined in a few sentences:
Army—As a lieutenant in the United States Army I learned order and attention to detail.
Corporate World—-As a senior manager over five divisions in five different states during the late nineties I learned listening goes a long way.
Pastor—I learned to walk with people in joy, crisis and trauma. I learned to listen deeply.
Humanitarian —As sole coordinator for ECD in Northern Uganda I learned to put others first and I learned how to be financially responsible with donor money.
Firefighter—I learned to how to turn chaos into order.
I believe I have accomplished a great deal in my life and I am proud of my wife, my family and my friends for all they do. Some accomplishments are small and barely noticeable but are large to the people they helped. We are all in this together and we must push forward together making small strides or large ones depending on what the cosmos allows.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Hall: There are a few things I would like to see implemented which would have a positive change in our community. It is all in the Comprehensive Plan which are ideas of our citizens. We have done three such studies since I have been in Black Mountain and sometimes I wonder why we did them if we are not going to put those ideas into action. We pay good money for these studies thus they should be taken seriously.
I also believe in transparency of our government. It is an obligation by our government to share information with citizens to hold officials accountable. They should act openly and reveal any conflict of interest whether on Town Council, or any number of appointed boards. Town staff advising boards or councils should also reveal if they have a conflict of interest. Nepotism between leadership should be avoided because it allows for mistrust by the citizens and employees. Our meetings should be run by Robert’s Rules of Order so citizens are aware of the rules and when rules are broken. All boards should be televised and recorded for viewing. It lends to transparency in our local government. We have to maintain confidence in government or we will not be able to thrive.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Hall: Facebook Page: Weston Hall for Black Mountain Town Council
Email contact: westonhall2022@gmail.com
Brochure linked here.
Rick Earley
TVE: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Rick Earley: I was born and raised here. I graduated with Owen class of 1972 and moved back into my childhood house in Black Mountain in August 2017.
TVE: Why are you running for town council?
Earley: My desire is to contribute to keeping Black Mountain a thriving, desirable, walkable town with our small-town charm for the next 50 years by responsibly stewarding spending and managing development.
TVE: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the town?
Earley: Responsible development, eliminating debt, controlling taxes and spending.
TVE: How would you work with the town council to address those issues?
Earley: We must face the brutal realities of living within our means. By asking difficult questions to clearly differentiate wants from needs I desire to help consensus among the council to determine what is truly in the best interest of all town residents both now and 10, 25, 50 years from now. The demographics of our town residents represent a wide range of incomes, and we must be acutely aware of this dynamic when increasing taxes and fees.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Earley: I retired in February, 2019, as North America Director of Sales for Admix, Inc, Londonderry, NH. Admix manufactures FDA compliant ultra-hygienic wet mixing/milling/dispersion equipment for the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care manufacturing industries.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the position?
Earley: Thirty-four years of asking probing questions of manufacturing clients while conducting in-plant audits gave me problem-solving insight for a broad range of issues related to both operational and personnel improvements.
My experience in developing and meeting budget goals and objectives for our $20 million sales and manufacturing company provided a sound foundation for managing financial and personnel resources.
Two years as land development coordinator for a multi-family developer in Greensboro gave me a broad exposure to effective development practices. My responsibilities included reviewing phase 1 and 2 engineering studies, stewarding site plan approval through county and municipality Technical Review Committee/Design Review Board, overseeing execution of site grading and installation of utilities, streets, storm and sanitary sewer systems. Through these experiences I gained a valuable working knowledge of executing approved site plan details while complying with erosion control and water quality standards established by municipal, county, and state regulatory agencies.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Earley: My top priority will be to bring agreement among my fellow council members that we fund projects and improvements for the town that are within the budget constraints of our income. This will reverse the trend of increasing property taxes, stormwater fees, and taking on additional debt. These projects and improvements should also ensure that the town maintains our safe, walkable community attributes with densities that can be supported by adequate infrastructure. This will enhance our existing small-town charm while protecting our pocketbooks, streams, lakes, greenways, and open spaces.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Earley: Facebook: Don’t be Late, Vote Rick Earley for Black Mountain Town Council to see upcoming events to meet me in person and have opportunity to get answers to your questions about my goals and how I intend to execute them.
Alice Berry
TVE: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Alice Berry: Like many Black Mountain transplants, the mountains called me for a while before I found my way home to this town. The natural beauty of this area, the appreciation for arts and crafts, and the hospitable spirit all made Black Mountain an ideal place to live in community. I officially moved to Black Mountain four years ago, having split my time between Black Mountain and Boone for the previous two years while enrolled in graduate school at Appalachian State University. Black Mountain quickly won my heart and became home.
Over the past six years, my partner and I have set down roots here and established ourselves as active members of the community. We make a point to support local businesses through the tailgate market and downtown stores. I enjoy making music with other local musicians and attending concerts. Here in Black Mountain we are blessed with such a lively community that is home to non-profits such as Bounty & Soul, the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries and Black Mountain Counseling Center, and Friends of the Black Mountain Libraries to which my family contributes.
TVE: Why are you running for town council?
Berry: I love Black Mountain and feel grateful to call this town home. I believe that being a citizen comes with responsibilities and requires action. We each have our own skill sets and interests that guide how we can be of service to our community. We the residents deserve a government that works for us, by us, and with us to build a better future. We all want to enjoy living in Black Mountain, feel a part of the community, and know that the government is working for us. I want to continue to shape our community as one that is vibrant, generous, and welcoming. Black Mountain has grown its tourism industry considerably, but needs to also be a great place to be a local.
TVE: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the town?
Berry:
Sustainable development: As our town continues to grow, encouraging local business is key to the health of the community and individuals looking to make a living where they live. However, the national housing crisis is a local crisis in Black Mountain as well. We need to prioritize zoning to support middle- and lower-class people with attention to environmental impacts; increase walking and biking options; and improve maintenance of our public spaces.
Environmental stewardship: We live in an area of unique beauty and natural resources that deserve to be protected for generations to come. Our watershed, air quality, and majestic views require our tending and safekeeping. Creativity will assist us in finding opportunities to utilize green energy (i.e. solar panels on town buildings through grant funding). Continuing the greenways project will increase the accessibility for all residents to enjoy the unique beauty of our town.
Equitable solutions: Every decision before the council deserves attention to how decisions impact people of all socioeconomic positions and from diverse backgrounds. For example, decisions about development and environmental concerns disproportionately impact those living in floodplains. Finding equitable solutions – ones that attend to our community’s most vulnerable – are required at each step of the governing process.
TVE: How would you work with the town council to address those issues?
Berry: Currently, the Planning Board is diligently working on the town Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) which will define the future of the town. The UDO covers everything from land use to greenways, parking to tree planting. When the Planning Board finishes their proposed UDO (in approximately a year), they will share it with the town council for review and approval. This is a critical time for our town. While the town government is limited by laws decided in Raleigh, zoning provides an opportunity to incentivize and guide development. Prioritizing affordable housing in collaboration with the county as well as through the UDO will ensure that more locals can stay local; more people can afford to live where they work; and local businesses will have a larger hiring pool.
With the UDO we can also require things like planting requirements in parking lots and consider the applicability of tools like bioswales (which reduce pollution and curb stormwater). Attention to details like this can make a huge impact in stormwater management and protecting the local ecosystem.
In all considerations before the council, consideration of those living at the margins is key to our business ecosystem. We cannot and should not exist in the tourism industry alone. Concerns abound: Winter months are hard on local businesses. Some locals cannot afford to shop in town. Local businesses struggle to find and keep local employees. Ongoing creativity and collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce can help us look toward solutions that benefit residents and business owners of all socioeconomic statuses, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and religious beliefs.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Berry: I worked as a music therapist for Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care. Being with people during pivotal moments at the end of life or when facing chronic illness taught me a lot. I have met people from all walks of life, heard their stories, and sought to understand their values and beliefs. People shared some of their most vulnerable fears and tender joys with me, inviting me to walk with them on a truly sacred journey.
I have recently joined a group therapy practice in Asheville as a counselor. While leaving hospice work was a difficult decision, I am grateful for the increased flexibility of this new chapter. Seeing and working with the challenges individuals and families face, I have a greater appreciation for systemic issues that require government solutions. It would be an honor to serve on the town council and make a wider impact.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the position?
Berry: My experience as a mental health professional has prepared me to be accessible to my community. I want to hear your concerns, ideas, and questions. I hope to meet with and get to know as many residents as possible to be a true representative of the people. Understanding a diversity of life experiences helps me better consider decisions from many angles. As a counselor and music therapist, I am trained to listen deeply, explore other’s points of view with curiosity, and collaborate on what needs are most pressing and next steps are indicated.
I love getting to know residents of our town, whether at our church coffee hour or the next table over at a local restaurant. The more people of Black Mountain I meet, the more amazed I am by the wealth of experiences, interests, and stories we all have to share. The town council oversees the wide variety of town concerns and must hold a long-term and big-picture view.
I am a team-player and pride myself on having good relationships with my coworkers. Despite differences that arise, finding a common goal is almost always possible. I believe that the majority of Black Mountain residents want the same things: to afford to live here, enjoy time with family and friends in their town, and know that the future is bright for Black Mountain.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Berry: Having shared about my policy priorities above, I want to share my foundational priority. If elected to the council, my top priority would be building strong relationships with fellow council members and residents. Very little is possible without a functional government; but with good communication and collaboration, the council can better respond to the opportunities and challenges that arise. As a representative to all the people of Black Mountain, I would trust them to decide what needs to come before the council.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Berry: I look forward to participating in candidate forums coming up this fall and hope they will be well attended. I have enjoyed talking with neighbors at local events as well as meet and greets hosted by friends. Having dialog with people of our town helps me better understand what concerns and supports our community.
People can learn more about what I stand for and am up to at my website, aliceberryforblackmountaintowncouncil.com. I also have a Facebook page, AliceBerryforBlackMountainTownCouncil, where people can follow along with videos covering town hall agendas and recapping them afterward; information about my values and positions; and posts highlighting exciting community projects. People can also reach me at aliceberry.bmt@gmail.com or (828) 419-0734.
Sonny Moore
TVE: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Sonny Moore: I have lived in Black Mountain for approximately 11 years.
TVE: Why are you running for town council?
Moore: During the past 10 years, I have been privileged to serve the Black Mountain/ Swannanoa Valley area and have put a lot of focus into the sustainability and overall social welfare of families in this area.
The Appalachian Mountains and foothills are my home and I have worked for over 40 years asking myself the question: “During times of change, how can I make a difference?”
TVE: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the town?
Moore: Through this journey, I have become aware of a lot of the issues facing Black Mountain during this "time of change." Many decisions need to be made on issues regarding improving infrastructure, controlled spending and housing, along with a firm vision and direction for the future of our town.
TVE: How would you work with the town council to address those issues?
Moore: I would desire to work collaboratively with other council members in finding united solutions for these issues.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Moore: As I mentioned earlier, I worked with the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry where I got to feel the heart of the people of this town.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the position?
Moore: I coordinated volunteer efforts to lead a homeless outreach including a homeless shelter and pathway programs for families in need. These efforts were achieved by a collaborative network of services throughout our town and community.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Moore: My top priority would be regaining the trust and respect of the citizens of Black Mountain through council transparency and openness.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Moore: Readers can learn more about my campaign and position by visiting my website moore4council.org and I would invite any group who would like me to speak with me to reach out. I will make myself available.