Hey Asheville, what do you got that the other guy doesn't? Our little freak capital/retirement mecca may be less isolated than it used to be, but we still have things that are uniquely ours. Or maybe it's just the intensity with which we tune in to our local heroes and causes. Activism, be it social, political or environmental, goes a long way here.

Meanwhile, the mountains remain the Best Reason to Live in Asheville, and as always, "people" remain both a reason to stay and to leave (though one voter quipped that the only reason to leave is "a warrant").

Our high-profile elected officials got their due, with Mayor Terry Bellamy and City Council member (and congressional candidate) Carl Mumpower tying for top Local Politician (although some of you would rather not have voted for anyone as favorite politico -- one ballot simply read, "Don't get me started"). And right outside City Hall, the "Tree Hugging Dirt Worshippers Saving the Magnolia," as one voter described them, made it onto several lists.

And those who mostly work outside the spotlight -- including River District players Jolene Mechanic, RiverLink and the late John Payne -- got a chance to shine as well.

So maybe that's what's truly unique in Asheville: We watch out for our own -- or at least keep an eye on them.