Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas

Age: 34
Residence: Buncombe County
Occupation: Assistant vice president/financial adviser
Education: B.A. government, Wofford College
Party: Republican
Political experience: Former party chairman

1. Do you support allowing individual municipalities to enact their own campaign-finance reform ordinances?

No. All candidates for similar offices within the state should compete under the same rules.

2. Do you believe the state’s ethics law for legislators is adequate? If not, how would you change it?

Ethics reform is a serious issue and is seriously needed. The new system must include a process for ethics-compliance verification and full disclosure.

3. What’s your position on the proposed passenger-rail service between Raleigh and Western North Carolina?

In theory, I support the idea. I look forward to the opportunity to review the final and complete proposal.

4. Would you support state funding for renovating or rebuilding the Asheville Civic Center? Why or why not?

I first need to see a detailed long-term plan for viability of the center. I will make my decision based upon the substance and quality of the plan presented, when contrasted with our area’s other needs.

5. Do you support a public-funding option for Council of State candidates, similar to the judicial public-financing system approved in 2002? Why?

No. It places challengers to incumbents at a distinct disadvantage and is not a proper use of taxpayer money.

6. What do you plan to do to ensure equitable distribution of state lottery funds to WNC?

The proceeds should be apportioned by enrollment and need. We have high enrollment and real need. Buncombe County deserves its fair share.

7. Name three state budget areas or items that should be reduced and three that should be increased.

Reduce: Executive discretionary funds, legislative discretionary funds, remove redundant funding through zero-based budgeting.

Increase: Support for the classroom, childcare, health care/mental health.

8. Would you approve additional local-option rooms-and-meals or food-and-beverage taxes for Buncombe County? Under what circumstances?

Probably not.

9. As WNC’s land prices skyrocket, would you support tools — such as the property-transfer tax or inclusionary zoning — to help communities keep housing affordable?

I will not support a property-transfer tax. There are many other methods available to address affordable housing. I look forward to working with city, county and federal leaders for a local solution to affordable housing.

10. What most distinguishes you from your opponents in this primary?

I am fully invested in our future by being married with two young children. I own a small business and have a good understanding of government. Ten years of experience as an Army officer. I have the ability and desire to listen to and understand constituents’ needs.

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.

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.

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.