Asheville Mayoral Forum 9 20:26

Asheville Mayoral Forum, moderated by Dr. Chris Cooper. TIMELINE BELOW 2:10 Opening statements 6:30 What can a mayor do that council members cannot do? 13:40 Two years post-Helene, recovery is far from finished; what are the two most important things the Mayor will need to do to improve Asheville’s recovery? 19:20 Flock cameras; when should Asheville say yes or no to surveillance cameras? 26:10 Councilperson Roney: if elected, how will public participation for someone who tries to influence City decisions look different? And for Mayor Manheimer, what are you most proud of in how you facilitate during your time as Mayor? 32:40 One concrete example of something Asheville needs from state government, and how would you go about getting it? 39:36 How would electing you change or preserve the city's relationship with the business improvement district? And what does that difference tell us about how you would govern? 45:59 The debates and complaints about Mission Hospital HCA have continued to dominate the conversation locally. So, what I'd like you all to address is: what is the proper role of the city of Asheville in these debates, and what specifically can the mayor do? 51:59 You've been on council before; you've been mayor before. In one case, um, you both have an accumulated voting record. What's one vote you cast that, knowing what you know now, you would cast differently? 58:15 Closing statements HIGHLIGHTS 🏛️ The mayor’s role in Asheville is collaborative leadership within a council-manager government. 💧 Both candidates prioritize water system resilience and infrastructure investments post-Hurricane Helen. 🗳️ Roney advocates for open, transparent governance that “does the people’s work in public.” 🔒 Privacy and civil liberties remain central concerns in the debate on surveillance technologies and police body cams. 💼 Economic development: Manheimer supports existing business improvement districts; Roney proposes expanding crisis response with municipal services. 🏥 Both candidates highlight health care competition and hospital accountability as critical local issues. 🌄 The election centers on balancing experience and steady progress (Manheimer) with transformative, inclusive leadership (Roney). #AshevilleMayor #AVLMayoralForum #Manheimer #Roney #AshevilleElection #WNC #VoteLocal