Aixa Wilson, Democrat, candidate for District 1, Buncombe County


Party: Democrat
Slogan: Sustainability, Prosperity, Accountability
Profession: Archaeologist
Residence: Asheville
Funding: Essentially self-funding
Endorsements: None

1. Do you favor A) creating a regional water authority, B) giving the existing system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District or C) leaving it under Asheville’s control? Why?
For now, I favor local control because MSD is appointed and not directly accountable to customers. As the county grows, we will need to shift to an integrated strategy. Our future economic development and vital-resource security depend on resolving this lingering wedge issue in a constructive manner.

2. Do you support granting domestic-partner rights and/or benefits to Buncombe County employees? (Yes/No) Why?
Absolutely. Smart firms know that retaining talent costs less than seeking, hiring and training new talent. Among the important team-member concerns: family security. Therefore, regardless of orientation or marital status, I support benefit packages for significant others of all team members who are in verifiable long-term, committed relationships.

3. Do you favor offering tax breaks and other economic-development incentives to companies that agree to move here or expand existing facilities and hire local workers? (Yes/No) Why?
Too often, firms exploit these deals. First, support local entrepreneurs. Second, create an environment (education, recreation, safety etc.) that attracts nonlocal businesses without incentive packages. Third, offer modest incentive packages for long-term commitments (15 years minimum) and opportunities for ancillary businesses (example: supplying parts to Linamar or hops to Highland).

4. Do you think the county should make funding the Connect Buncombe greenways a high priority? (Yes/No) Why?
I believe greenways promote mental and physical health, reduce traffic and attract new residents and businesses. That said, we are in tough economic conditions, so greenway construction must make economic sense. I favor reaching the next logical decision point in construction and then evaluating the situation.

5. What’s the most important role of county government in job creation?
Create an appropriate tax and regulatory structure. Provide efficient and effective services to support business function, creation and expansion. Protect people and property. Educate students of all ages to innovate, to create and to strive.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Margaret Williams
Editor Margaret Williams first wrote for Xpress in 1994. An Alabama native, she has lived in Western North Carolina since 1987 and completed her Masters of Liberal Arts & Sciences from UNC-Asheville in 2016. Follow me @mvwilliams

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Aixa Wilson, Democrat, candidate for District 1, Buncombe County

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.