Now that we’re on the other side of summer, the November election is looming large. And since we’ve made sure you’re up to date with deadlines and processes at the polls, we’re bringing the ballot a little closer to home — with an introduction to the Asheville City Council candidates.
The Asheville City Council, which sets city policies and appoints the city manager, consists of seven seats. One is occupied by the mayor, and the remaining six members are elected to staggered four-year terms.
For the 2024 election, there are six candidates running for three seats. The new members will join Mayor Esther Manheimer, Antanette Mosley, Sheneika Smith, and Maggie Ullman on the council. Sandra Kilgore is not running for reelection.
CJ Domingo
Domingo is a vault operations supervisor at Loomis Securitas. His stated priorities are infrastructure; meeting basic fire, police, and medical needs; incentivizing employers to develop careers for locals; and transparency and accountability.
Kevan Frazier
Frazier is the Executive Director for WCU’s Programs in Asheville at Biltmore Park and founder of Asheville by Foot and Well Played Board Game Cafe. His priority issues are responsive leadership, meaningful and prosperous work for residents, a reasonable cost of living, and environmental stewardship.
Bo Hess
Hess is a clinical social worker, addiction specialist, and adjunct professor at WCU. His priorities are economic security, mental health and addiction care, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and solutions for crime and safety.
Tod Leaven
Leaven is a founding partner at Leaven Law Firm. He has shared safety, affordable housing, public transportation, water supply sustainability and accessibility, infrastructure, accessibility, preservation of city parks, and city employees’ living wage as priorities.
Kim Roney, incumbent
Roney is a small business owner, music educator, and community radio producer; she has served on the council since 2020. Her stated priorities are affordability (which includes affordable housing, regional transit, and living wage certification for the city), public safety, and climate + neighborhood resiliency.
Sage Turner, incumbent
Turner is a finance and project manager; she has served on the council since 2020. Her focus areas are housing, community safety, and basic city services + infrastructure.
