Bob & Nina at Faith Tabernacle

Election Day

News, Personal, Voting

For me, Election Day started at Shiloh Community Center (Precinct 8.2), continued at Murphey-Oakley (9.1)—where I was lucky enough to share a moment with Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, followed by a stint at West Asheville Library (16.2), a sojourn at T.C. Roberson (18.2), and then closing out the day at the polls at Bob’s and my home precinct at Faith Tabernacle (8.3).

Bob & I went to the Orange Peel to await results with the Buncombe Democratic Party. They were not what we or my wonderful supporters and friends hoped for.

Election Day Unofficial Results

Election Day Unofficial Results

I take some solace that of all the candidates, I improved my vote by the greatest percent between the primary and the general election. That’s because I worked hard, and also because of the heroic efforts of my wonderful team: Cheryl Orengo (Campaign Coordinator), Ron Gordon (Treasurer), and my fantastic squad of volunteers who poll-greeted during Early Voting and on Election Day: Rob Heskett, Sophie Min Mullinax, Kim Hughes, Sherry Vaughn, Ruby Warren, Lori Hedrick, Mike Wasmer, Micah Massey, Anne Craig, Alan Rosenthal, Beverly Clark, and Mary Standaert… and all the others who contributed time and treasure throughout the campaign. I will never forget your generosity and kindness.

No campaign is complete without either a victory or a concession speech. Bob was on hand to video mine at the Orange Peel.

And no summing up is complete without my deep and lasting gratitude to Bob Woolley, who stuck with me unfailingly, without complaint, through 7+ months of this effort. Without his love and support I could not have gone on this amazing journey. Thank you, my love.

Early Voting is a Whirlwind!

Arts, News, Organizing, Voting

Every day is a combination of making the rounds of the Asheville early-voting locations and attending other organizing and civic events.

Yesterday, my day began at the Asheville Area Arts Council‘s “State of the Arts” brunch at The Orange Peel. It was a pleasure to be among so many people committed to supporting and promoting our city’s creative community. The photo shows us toasting the AAAC’s adoption of new branding: “Arts AVL.” I’m looking forward to seeing the relaunched website, with a directory of local creatives, and the inauguration of two shuttles that will connect Downtown and River Arts District—which will be great for residents and visitors alike! The rest of the day I spent at the early-voting four points of the compass: N AVL Library, W AVL Library, E AVL Library, and S Buncombe Library! Shout out to rockstar volunteers Rob Heskitt & Sophie Min Mullinax for their help today!

Rob Heskitt & Duke, wonderful poll-greeters! Over and over again, I’m impressed by the enthusiasm and diligence of both poll-greeters and voters—and reminded with every conversation how valuable it is to connect and find common ground. I’m humbled by the support I’ve received, and so grateful. In case you might not have noticed, Ashevilleans are pretty wonderful people!

[Pictured at left, marvelous poll-greeter Rob Heskitt and his fabulous sidekick Duke!]

Days 3 & 4 of Early Voting

Housing, News, Voting

A line of voters at EAVL Library

Impressive turnout at East Asheville Library on Monday. I had a few challenging conversations… that ended well! I was also at South Buncombe Library again. When the parking lot clogged up with parents picking up students, I headed to West Asheville Library to finish out the day. Many thanks to the stalwart Buncombe Dems who were helping inform voters, and to my friend and zealous poll-greeter Rob Heskitt who was at North Asheville Library!

I visited the Fellowship Community Center this morning, where things were quiet. Spent several hours at North Asheville Library, which was non-stop, cars coming and going and vying for nowhere enough parking spaces. And then it was on to West Asheville Library, which was also (as seen in this picture!) a lively scene.

The voters I’ve encountered so far during early voting have overwhelmingly been curious and cordial. Some come thoroughly informed and prepared, others are still asking questions and are eager to have conversations. I am grateful to each and every one of them for participating and keeping our democracy strong!

City Council meeting this evening was a rich mix of important decisions: Walton St. Pool & Park was approved for a historical landmark designation; Housing Bond money was moved to the Housing Trust Fund, the Close the Gap greenway master plan was approved. And I made a proposal for using Housing Trust Fund moneys to upgrade rental properties to Section 8 standards for landlords who would commit to accepting housing vouchers. (I’ll post the video when it’s available—probably tomorrow.) Altogether another a full and meaningful day!

A lively scene at WAVL Library

Two Days of Early Voting

News

Nina at Fellowship Center
Day One of early voting started for me in my neighborhood, at the Fellowship Center in Shiloh. After casting my own ballot, I stayed there for about an hour greeting voters and then went to the South Buncombe Library location. My next stop for poll-greeting was the North AVL library on Merrimon. I rounded out a very full day with a visit to the THRIVE event at the Foundry Hotel, and the last City Council candidate forum of this election, an awesome bilingual Zoom event hosted by ABFCN, the RJC, Just Economics, and others.

For Day Two of early voting, I began at West Asheville Library, moved on to East Asheville Library, spent some time at Wesley Grant/Southside, and finished the day up back at Fellowship Center in Shiloh. (I also was briefly at the East Asheville Tailgate Market, but moved on promptly when informed that ‘leafletting’ was not allowed.) Big shout-out to marvelous poll-greeter Sophie Min Mullinax, for her support at WAVL Library today! A huge tip of the hat to the hardworking Buncombe Dems at every location. And thanks to fellow candidate Sheriff Quentin Miller for the great conversations at EAVL and Shiloh!

Please join Sophie and others who help voters find me on the ballot and include me in their choices for City Council! Sign up to poll-greet HERE.

Campaign Activity Summary: September

Forums, News, Organizing, Transparency

We’re hurtling toward the start of early voting, only 18 days away!

The hustle continues. Here’s a selection of activities—not shown here are the many meetings with community members and campaign supporters.