Valley Voices

Readers share opinions on issues impacting the Swannanoa Valley

Support for Pam King

I am 100% and whole-heartedly endorsing Pam King, an incredible citizen servant to our town, for election to the Board of Alderman.

Why? Selfish, really. I want my adopted hometown of 11 years to plan for the future, manage our money very carefully, and continue to evolve as a town I want to live in. Pam King is 110% committed to these goals. So she has my vote. And I hope, yours.

As many of you know, I have contributed thousands of hours as a citizen servant myself (most recently with 10+ years at Swannanoa Fire & Rescue) and with my wife Jennifer Billstrom, I have raised and contributed funding for several non-profits in the Valley. We’ve put our money where our mouths are. I’ve run my own business here for about a decade, and recently I’ve been honored to be part of a leadership team that has created more than 50 jobs in WNC (Old Fort). Where my wife and I are active in community service as well. We care. We want to!

As the saying goes, I’m not from here, but got here as fast as I could. 11 years ago. I like to think I’ve put in far more than I’ve taken out.

Pam King is an experienced manager, fundraiser and money manager (millions). She’s not from here, and I think that’s the point. She too has put in far more than she’s taken out, including serving on a town commission and helping lead Friends of the Library.

And like me, she’s seen a few things. Experienced tragedy, joy, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Towns that grew without planning; as well as towns that could have grown and didn’t. Above all, she is curious before making a judgment. That means a lot to me.

She’s even signed up to learn more about how town government works best in NC... I can’t recall any incumbent or candidate in Black Mountain that has made a commitment to get ‘continuing education’ for governing our town. I for one would like to see a lot more of that.

If you’d like to see even-handed values, smart monetary management, and a deep passion for a wonderful Black Mountain that few can imagine, let alone articulate... then trust in Pam King.

And please, for the love of all that is good and true, VOTE for your town. We need you!

David Billstrom

Black Mountain resident, and CEO of Kitsbow Cycling Apparel