So...who won?

The 2022 election results for Asheville and Buncombe County

Ten-year old resident Polly Crutchfield designed this year’s “I Voted” sticker. | Photo by AVLtoday

The votes are in, Asheville. You’ve done your civic duty and now you’re probably wondering about the 2022 election results. Here are some of the big takeaways, sourced from the NC State Board of Elections unofficial results with 100% of precincts reported.

🗳️ Esther Manheimer was reelected as mayor

Incumbent Esther Manheimer, who has served as Asheville’s mayor since 2013, has been reelected to serve another four years. Manheimer led Kim Roney with ~53.5% of the votes. Upon reelection, she says she plans to redouble affordable housing efforts, expand public safety, reduce houselessness, and implement climate change policy.

🗳️ Maggie Ullman Berthiaume will join Asheville City Council

Asheville City Council incumbents Antanette Mosley and Sheneika Smith, plus newcomer Maggie Ullman Berthiaume, have won the three open seats that make up the six-person council. Berthiaume led all candidates with Mosley and Smith securing second and third place, respectively.

Berthiaume, who was the city’s first sustainability director, has said she will prioritize affordable housing incentives for low-wage workers, the installation of solar power on city buildings, and doubling down on core city services.

🗳️ Two Buncombe bonds pass decisively

For the first time since 2016, Buncombe County citizens had bonds on their ballots — and the majority of residents voted yes on both of them.

The $30 million Open Space Bond supports land conservation, protection, and preservation, and the creation of new greenways and trails. It’s expected to cost the average household a maximum of $14 a year for 20 years.

The $40 million Housing Bond will help increase the number of housing units for people of low to moderate income. It’s expected to cost the average household a maximum of $18 a year for 20 years.

🗳️ Martin Moore, plus two incumbents, won commissioner seats

Incumbents Al Whitesides (District 1) and Amanda Edwards (District 3), plus newcomer Martin Moore (District 2), won the three open seats for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Moore — who works as an attorney — unseated incumbent Robert Pressley, the board’s only registered Republican. Pressley has served as a commissioner since 2016.

WHO ELSE IS IN OFFICE?

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Wednesday, Nov. 9

Beauty Parlor Comedy: Matt White & Friends | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 7-9 p.m. | Asheville Beauty Academy, 28 Broadway St., Asheville | $12 | Enjoy an evening of laughs with this standup comedian, who was the winner of the “NC Funniest” 2020 competition.
Michelle Malone Band | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 8:30-10 p.m. | The Main Stage, 743 Haywood Rd, Asheville | $20-$25 | Enjoy original American country, rock, and blues-infused tunes.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Grand Opening of Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 4-6 p.m. | Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, 9 Midnight Dr., Asheville | Free | Celebrate the grand opening of this unconventional cabin campground over snacks and drinks.
Mariachi Sol de México® de José Hernández | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr., Cullowhee | $5-$25 | This Grammy-nominated band is led by José Hernández — a fifth-generation Mariachi musician + internationally recognized composer and educator.

Friday, Nov. 11

3rd Annual Honor A Veteran Event | Friday, Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Orchard Church, 205 West Brook Dr., Waynesville | Free | Veterans will enjoy a free lunch and presentation from Walt Larimore, author of “At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse.”
“The Big Brunch” Watch Party | Friday, Nov. 11 | 8:30 p.m. | New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St., Asheville | Free | Watch episode one of “The Big Brunch,” a new cooking show featuring local chef J Chong, among fans — proceeds from the event support the Feed Asheville Farm.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Argentinian Asado | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 12:30-4 p.m. | Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill Farm, 6751 NC-126, Nebo | $85 | Chef Eric Scheffer, owner of Vinnie’s and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, hosts an afternoon of traditional Argentinian grilling.

Friday, Nov. 18

Asheville Chamber Music Series: Cann Piano Duo | Friday, Nov. 18 | 8-10 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church St., Asheville | $45 | Enjoy selected works for two grand pianos performed by award-winning sisters Kimberly and Michelle Cann.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

We’re sea-ing these entrees from The Lobster Trap in our dreams

Maine Lobster Roll, compliments of Chef Mike McCarty. | Photo provided by The Lobster Trap

Did you know Ashevilians can enjoy thoughtfully prepared seafood any night of the week? The Lobster Trap has been serving up premier seafood for the past 17 years, and if you’re wondering what the catch is, think: Maine Lobster, gulf oysters, and more. 🦞

Here are four dynamic duos to add to your next meal:

Spinach + Crab Oysters paired with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: Eight sustainably-sourced gulf oysters topped with spinach + crab.
Maine Lobster Roll with Shelton Riesling: Presented on a brioche bun, 4 oz’s of fresh, chilled Maine lobster. Pro tip: request a light dressing to take the flavor to the next level.
Verlasso Salmon with Orin Swift Machete: Grilled salmon with angel hair pasta topped with a yummy cream sauce featuring sundried tomato, roasted bell peppers, and grilled lemon.
Trap Crab Cakes with the French martini: Two fresh lump crab cakes and house tartar sauce, served with slaw and corn pudding.*

PLAN YOUR NEXT MEAL

Weather

62º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain
Expect heavy rains and winds heading into the weekend from Tropical Storm Nicole, which was recently upgraded by the National Hurricane Center. Read more about preparing for Nicole. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Eat

Meet The Utopian Seed project: a local nonprofit working to build a diverse, resilient, and delicious food + farming system. Join them for a chef-cooked meal on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. featuring experimental and traditional crops. Think: Turkish butternut squash, tapas-style plates, and pie and ice cream. (Mountain Xpress)

Development

Curious which areas of Buncombe County are most likely to be developed? This map created by the Metropolitan Sewerage District may have the answers. We’re seeing: Cane Creek, Lee Creek, and Weaverville all shaping up for plenty of activity over the next few decades. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Edu

Buncombe County Schools officially swore in new Superintendent Rob Jackson. He has nine years of experience working in Buncombe schools and was previously superintendent of Carteret County Public Schools. Welcome, Rob. 🍎 (Mountain Xpress)

Holiday

This Friday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, with City of Asheville offices closed that day in observance. ART bus service will run on a normal schedule and veterans can ride for free. Read more about holiday hours, plus how to commemorate Veterans Day.

Transit

Did you know? There are four free parking lots in downtown Asheville, in addition to paid lot, garage, and street parking. Here’s the status of more free lots in Asheville. 🚗

Answered

In yesterday’s newsletter, we asked if you knew which Asheville restaurant Chef J Chong worked at before launching J Chong Eats — and 39.75% of you correctly guessed Cúrate. 👏

Number

9. That’s how many awards MB HAYNES recently earned in Mountain Xpress’ Annual Best of Awards — taking home the No. 1 spot in the “Best Customer Service,” “Electrical, Electrician Company,” and “Best Represents Spirit of Asheville” categories. Congrats, MB HAYNES. 👏 *

Wellness

Did you know? BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy platform. Getting started is easy: Take a quick quiz and get matched with a licensed therapist within 48 hours. Join over 3.5 million others and sign up today for 25% off (read: save up to $75). 📲 *

Fact or Fiction

Smoking weed can cause hair loss. Find out if this is Fact or Fiction.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Food

Explained: Asheville’s Cold Mountain obsession

A vintage capture of the original bottles before Highland’s big 2018 rebrand. | Photo via Highland

In honor of Highland Brewing’s upcoming (and highly anticipated) Cold Mountain Release Weekend, let’s take a journey into beers past.

Known as the first local beer to gain a cult following, this particular brew has whipped WNC residents — and beer fans across the East Coast — into a frenzy for the last 26 years. But why all the hype?

The origin story: First released in 1996, this holiday ale gets its name from Charles Frazier’s famous novel (later turned into a movie) and the natural landmark itself, which looms over Pisgah National Forest at 6,030 ft elevation.

For the last two decades: A righteous party has accompanied the beer’s release, and over the years, the fanfare has grown to attract swarms of locals, as well as travelers from all over the country. According to Hospitality Director Nikki Mitchell, some folks even get engaged at the event.

Read on for the behind-the-scenes on how Highland picks each year’s beer recipe, plus details on the events.

HERE'S WHAT'S BREWING

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sarah.

Editor’s pick: One of my boyfriend’s favorite meals is a spaghetti sandwich. I’ve never tried this particular delicacy, but I feel like this limited-time Farm Dog comes pretty close. 🍝

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Chef J Chong is starring in a new HBO Max show.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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