With new district-based voting changing Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are elected, four candidates vying to represent District 2 answered voter questions on Oct. 8 during a forum held in Black Mountain.
Ellen Frost, a Democrat; Mike Fryar, a Republican; Christina Kelly Merrill, a Republican; and incumbent Carol Peterson, a Democrat, discussed promoted opinions and responded to top-of-mind questions from voters — everything from greenways and job creation to business recruitment and incentives. Their new district, which includes northern and eastern Buncombe County, includes Barnardsville, Black Mountain, Fairview, Swannanoa and Weaverville.
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The forum, presented below, was organized by the League of Women Voters for Asheville and Buncombe County, which coordinated a series of events highlighting local candidates for Buncombe County offices and N.C. House races. Carolina Public Press joined Mountain Xpress, The Urban News, News Radio 570 WWNC and 880 The Revolution as a series co-sponsor. The forums were moderated by Jerri Jameson, the former news director for Clear Channel Asheville.

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