2009 Asheville City Council Candidates Survey

2. What skills and experience would you bring to the position?

Cecil Bothwell	I have been self-employed for most of the past 38 years, in the building trades and as a writer and publisher. My experience with management, construction and development issues is extensive. As managing editor and senior reporter for Mountain Xpress, I covered city and county issues starting in 1993 with more emphasis from 2002-2007. I have probably attended more City Council meetings than any current candidate other than Carl Mumpower, and my reporting experience familiarized me with most of the long term issues in our community. As a green builder and founding editor of the Warren Wilson College environmental journal, Heartstone, I have a deep understanding of the transition we will face in moving toward a low-carbon-emission economy as well as the economic opportunity presented by that transition.

Kelly Miller	I consider myself a modern day Renaissance man with a variety of life experiences and skills. My invaluable work experience includes ten years with the Chamber, and positions with the Alaska State Legislature and a parks and recreation department. I started a small retail business during the early 1980s recession and never missed payroll. As a one-time single parent raising children, I know tough times and what it’s like to stretch a home budget until pay day. I have a degree in economics and have served on countless boards and commissions. I’ve proudly served you on City Council since December 2008. I have a noted history of bringing diverse groups together, listening intently and championing win-win solutions that move Asheville forward. I am a change maker who works tirelessly to improve Asheville’s quality of life for all citizens. I follow through on my commitments.

Esther Manheimer	The greatest skill I can bring to the position of city council member is the skill of listening – listening to the citizens of Asheville, the neighborhoods of Asheville, and the small business owners of Asheville. To hear these voices and implement the changes they want and need. To effect these changes, I hope to draw on my background as a real estate litigation and land use attorney, my masters in public administration, my experience as an attorney to the State legislature, my experience representing and appearing before local governments, and my experience as a member of the Board of Adjustment for the City of Asheville.

Carl Mumpower	The combination of my values, education, experiential background, profession, roots in the community, and a willingness to confront wrongs without concern for my personal reputation are unique.

Gordon Smith	I’ve spent my adult life working to help people, solve problems and make change. Here a few examples of my connections with and service to our whole community: WWC and WCU graduate West Asheville resident Licensed child and family therapist serving families in need Small business owner with my wife, Rachael Board Member, the Media Arts Project, an economic development organization for the arts and technology A leader in the fight for a return of our public park land following the Parkside sale of public land An advocate for cleaner air and cleaner energy instead of a diesel power plant in Woodfin An advocate for I-26 plan that protects the Burton Street Community and Montford, and creates a corridor connecting West Asheville and downtown Volunteer Coordinator, Holly Jones for County Commission, 2008 Nominated by City Councilor Brownie Newman for the City Council seat vacated by Holly Jones Member, Asheville/Buncombe County Homelessness Advisory Board, present

Cesat Ramero	Unlike some other candidates, I’m not a politician. I’m a successful small-business owner.


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