November 8, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Results show Hunt, Pelly, Davis as Asheville council winners
News, Written from Staff Reports
Initial election results show that newcomers Marc Hunt and Chris Pelly have won the Asheville City Council races. Incumbent Jan Davis, meanwhile, has also won edging out challenger Lael Gray by 40 votes, according to unofficial results that could go to a recount. The race included six candidates vying for three open seats on the seven-member council.

Here’s a quick look at Buncombe County election results.
Read results: read more
See Wednesday’s Citizen-Times and CITIZEN-TIMES.com for more elections coverage.

November 4, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Haw Creek council candidate worked on poverty, safety, anti-nuclear issues
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
Two years of learning to rappel from helicopters taught Chris Pelly the Army wasn’t his future. And neither, he later learned, was college. But while he was at Arizona State University in 1979, Pelly came across something that was his future — community organizing.

“It was the first time in my life that something connected for me,” he said. Pelly, 54, worked for decades on causes ranging from safer streets to nuclear disarmament. Now the real estate broker and longtime Haw Creek Community Association president is hoping to take that experience to City Council in his third campaign for that office.

“I’ve got two brothers who are carpenters. I can’t pound a nail straight. But what I can do is bring together people with diverse interests and get concrete results, specific results,” he said.

Pelly grew up in coastal Spring Lake, N.J., one of eight children in a family he calls Irish Catholic, though his mother, Celine Schretlen, was born in Holland. Pelly credits Schretlen, an 82-year-old immigrant who “basically lost everything” in World War II, with what he calls his sense of duty to others. “It’s kind of funny, because growing up we didn’t talk about politics in the house, about Democrats or Republicans, but there was talk about ‘what are we going to do for the poor?’” he said.

Pelly joined the Army out of a sense of adventure and hopes for college money. In college, he volunteered with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, better known by its acronym, ACORN. Though suffering recently from mismanagement and battering from conservatives, Pelly said ACORN did a good job in those days for those “beaten down” in life, including work he did helping residents in places such as New Orlean’s Ninth Ward and Hot Springs, Ark., with slow police response times and other concerns.

While working for another group fighting foreclosure on Illinois farmers, he met his wife, Juanita. They worked apart for a year, Juanita in an Indonesian refugee camp and Pelly promoting nuclear disarmament. When they reunited, the two lived in Washington for a time, but when they had their second child, they moved to Asheville. Pelly started a landscaping business and later went into real estate, but he said community organizing remained a passion. As a volunteer community association president and former leader of the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods, he pushed the city to build sidewalks for patients walking to the Veterans Association Hospital.

“That’s been a constant in my life. We all have to earn a living, and I do real estate and love real estate, but my life is working in the community,” he said.

November 3, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly goes above and beyond what is expected
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Cynthia Alleman
When I heard Chris Pelly was running for City Council, I was thrilled. Chris has been an amazing help to me in finding my office and home. He really went above and beyond. When I asked him to help me find an office in 2000, he searched the MLS, and when he didn’t find what I needed, he drove around and called people who owned houses fitting the description. He found the perfect place, and my staff and I love it. He even negotiated a fair price for the property so we did not have to pay more than fair market value. In 2010, when my family needed to move, I called Chris and he again searched high and low for the perfect place. He found a house in our budget range which exceeded my family’s hopes and dreams for a new home.
If he is willing to go this far for a relatively small office and house purchase, I want to see what he can do for our city.

November 1, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Impressed with Pelly’s track record
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Frank Martin
Chris Pelly will be an effective member of the City Council. He will push the support of programs that are for the good of all citizens. His accomplishments for Haw Creek are needed for all of Asheville. A scenic local park — he raised seed money for this and got the city to finish it up. Sidewalks — these were promised when Asheville annexed this area in 1972. Chris got action going to get action taken. I lived in Haw Creek for 20 years and consider Chris a good friend and know he will be good for the whole city. Vote for Chris Pelly.

November 1, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly gets involved in city life daily
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Vickie Gaddy Jones
Thank you for printing sketches of the City Council candidates. With the economic times that we are living in, it is imperative that everyone vote. Importance in learning what the candidates stand for and checking out each candidate is vital. Does your candidate vote? It is amazing to me that one candidate has not voted in some of the very important elections in this town. Chris Pelly is daily involved in the life of our city, attending meetings, working, living in our fine city, helping to unite neighborhoods. We need new ideas, new people on City Council. Chris Pelly is the person who needs to be elected to the council. Chris from the beginning has been for early voting, and that has enabled me to vote already. You should be wise and do the same.

October 31, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville City Council candidates raise funds to raise vote totals
Cates loans self almost $20,000; Davis third in receipts
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
Two City Council candidates who finished low in the primary are looking to make up ground with ramped up fundraising before the Nov. 8 election. Business consultant Mark Cates, who finished fifth in the primary, has put in nearly $19,748 of his own money, giving him the most receipts so far, with a total of $33,523.

Lone incumbent and fourth-place finisher Jan Davis meanwhile has raised thousands from attorneys, those involved with the construction industry and others backing the pro-business city councilman, according to campaign finance reports out Monday. That has made Davis third in the money race. The reports, which are required by state law, cover all money raised from before the primary through Thursday.

Historically, the general election winners come from the top three primary vote-getters. This year, they were former greenways chairman Marc Hunt, Montford neighborhood activist Lael Gray and Haw Creek Community Association President Chris Pelly. Davis, Cates and former Boone Town Councilman Saul Chase finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, making their odds less than stellar.

Most believe money can alter those odds. In one notable exception in 2007, third-place primary finisher Councilman Bryan Freeborn was narrowly defeated in the general election by insurance agency owner and fourth-place finisher Bill Russell after a record-breaking flurry of donations.

So far , Hunt is second in overall fundraising. But not counting loans the candidates gave themselves, including $2,630 the land preservation specialist gave his campaign, he had the most donations at $21,041. Notable donors included Hardy Legwin, chairman of FLS Energy, Asheville Greenworks director Susan Roderick and Blue Spiral Gallery owner John Cram with $100 each.
Legwin said he gave to Hunt even though he didn’t know him. “Basically, I appreciate what he’s done with greenways,” said Legwin, noting his views weren’t reflective of the entire solar energy company. Hunt said the history of heavy fundraising late in Asheville campaigns made it important for him to be financially competitive — though he lamented the need to raise tens of thousands of dollars.

“My hope would be that we can get to some sort of sane rational public finance approach … to make the playing field level for all of us,” he said.

Donors for Davis, who has raised the second-most cash excluding loans, included former council candidate and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce President Kelly Miller with $100, M.B. Haynes electrical contracting company president and planning and zoning commission member Buzzy Cannady with $200 and Kenilworth developer Frank Howington with $250. Davis said he needed the money to get out more centrist voters and to fend off attacks from a local environmental group that has targeted him. “It’s very important to get the message out. I have to get the people out who are not attached to a special interest,” the downtown tire store owner said.

Cates, a relative newcomer to the city and its politics, said he planned early to put money into his campaign, and that it was worth it to push the issue of lowering unemployment in the region. “It’s certainly a hardship, but it is truly harder right now for the people who don’t have jobs,” the former aerospace engineer said. Donors for Cates included former mayor Lou Bissette with $200, Republican N.C. House candidate Nathan Ramsey with $200 and developer George Morosani with $200.

Pelly raised the fourth most, or third most excluding loans, with $14,658. Among the real estate broker’s donors were Councilman Cecil Bothwell with $100 and Haw Creek resident and light-pollution opponent Bernie Arghiere with $600. Pelly said his broad base of support would help him win in the general election despite the larger amounts of cash others brought in. “The money is important, but in many ways what is more important is having a lot of people out there beating the bushes and ringing door bells,” he said.

October 28, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly has played important role preserving local history
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Nora Jones
As an 82-year-old East Asheville native, I have read with pride the many letters supporting Chris Pelly for City Council. However, one important aspect of Chris’ work in the community has so far been overlooked. His interviews of longtime residents help preserve the memories of those who came here before us. As Asheville grows and evolves, I believe his work recording our stories becomes ever more important. While embracing the future, Chris’ dedication to honoring our history is to me the hallmark of an enlightened and thoughtful leader. Please join me in voting for Chris Pelly Nov. 8.

October 28, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
On council, Pelly would bring neighborhood perspective
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Edison V. Seel, RN
Chris Pelly has a long history of service to East Asheville communities and the residents of Asheville. I have known Chris for 12 years, serving with him on the board of the Haw Creek Community Association. I have always been impressed with his commitment to making Asheville a better place to live, work and raise a family. He understands that the most effective way to make changes in our different communities is the mobilizations of concerned citizens through local community associations and working in partnership with other community organizations such as local government agencies, schools and churches. Thanks to the leadership of Chris, Haw Creek Valley has an enhanced police presence, better sidewalks and two beautiful city parks. Chris will bring that same leadership and commitment to Asheville City Council. Vote for Chris Pelly for City Council.

October 27, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Davis, Hunt, Pelly best choices for council
Governing a central city never is easy. Commissioners are held responsible for a wide range of services and functions by an electorate close at hand.

The Great Recession and cuts in state and federal aid have made the task even more difficult. In Asheville the situation is further complicated by state actions aimed specifically at the city, culminated by the apparently successful efforts of Biltmore Lake residents to evade responsibility for supporting the city from which they benefit greatly.

Given all of that, it is a wonder that anyone would want to be a council member. Fortunately, Asheville has six qualified candidates who survived the primary. Any of the six would serve well, but a choice must be made. The Citizen-Times recommends the re-election of Jan Davis and the election of Marc Hunt and Chris Pelly.

Two of the three seats open Nov. 8 are held by Brownie Newman and Bill Russell, who decided not to seek re-election. The three winners will join three other council members who have served only two years each. That makes experience important, and Davis has plenty of it.

Davis, owner of a downtown tire store, has been on the council for eight years. He touts, deservedly, his role in getting the Asheville Civic Center refurbished and luring back the Southern Conference basketball tournament. He also is active in riverfront redevelopment.

He wants to rebuild public housing projects and move some residents to break up pockets of “concentrated poverty.” He opposes a police oversight board, saying state law makes it impossible for such a board to get the personnel information it would need.

Hunt, a land preservation specialist, stresses smart growth to prevent “suburban sprawl,” which he calls the “greatest regional environmental challenge.” He supports density bonuses for affordable developments near major roads with bus service.

Like Davis, he opposes a police review board, though he favors a strengthened advisory board and educating officers on how to work with the community. “Expectations are really critical, training is as well,” he said.

Pelly, a real-estate broker and president of the Haw Creek Community Association, is known for his campaign to get more sidewalks. He insists, however, that the type of neighborhood leadership he provides can be brought to bear on a number of issues.

He is undecided about a police oversight board but feels there should be a liaison between police and residents. He said gay-rights activists “felt they were vulnerable and they did not feel comfortable going to the Police Department.”

All three support stronger steep slope rules, possibly banning or limiting construction on such slopes below 2,220 feet in elevation. All want safeguards to protect the city when major projects collapse. In fact, on many issues there is little difference between any of the six finalists.

That does not mean, however, that there is little reason to vote. Turnout for the primary was a deplorable 10 percent. Such lack of interest can threaten the legitimacy of governance. Show you care enough to vote Nov. 8.

October 21, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville candidates debate race issues, police oversight
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
…Haw Creek Community Association President Chris Pelly also didn’t give a final opinion on police oversight. The real estate broker said he spoke with gay rights activists concerned about police actions and that at minimum there should be a liaison between police and residents.

“They felt they were vulnerable and they did not feel comfortable going to the Police Department,” said Pelly.

…..None supported police enforcing immigration laws, noting opposition by former Police Chief Bill Hogan and problems reported in Alabama of losing needed workers after tough state rules were passed.

…Pelly said he liked incentives but disagreed with a recent city decision to speed the process on larger developments by eliminating public input. He also suggested the city start a loan fund to help people make homes more energy efficient, saving them money and creating jobs for those doing the work.

…Both she and Pelly said many African-Americans distrusted government after neighborhoods south of downtown and other places were leveled beginning in the 1970s as part of urban renewal programs.

Pelly said he had a track record of bringing many different types of people together to accomplish goals, such as more sidewalks and parks for his East Asheville neighborhood.

“Listening,” he said, was a vital skill for a council member.
Read Entire Article: read more

October 21, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Davis is likeable; his voting record isn’t
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Beth Jezek
I like Jan Davis. I buy my tires from him. But lately, I’ve been distressed by his voting record. Davis voted against expanding early voting sites. Chris Pelly would have voted “yes.” Davis voted to approve larger, and more signs than the sign ordinance allows, at the new Brevard Road Ingles. Chris Pelly would have voted to adhere to the existing sign ordinance. Davis voted against rezoning Caledonia Road properties to residential, against the wishes of Kenilworth residents. (Later he changed and voted for rezoning.) Chris would have voted for rezoning. Council approved domestic partner benefits for city and certain contract employees. Davis voted against the resolution. Chris Pelly would have voted for it. Council approved setting a living wage for city employees. Davis voted against it. Chris Pelly would have voted for it. Jan Davis now says he would rethink some of these votes. Huh? I’m voting for Chris Pelly. I hope the AC-T’s readers will too.

October 14, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly’s efforts have helped our veteran
Opinion, Maria Gomes, Local Columnist
Thank goodness veterans can now walk to the Asheville Mall, on a brand new sidewalk, put in place mainly by the efforts of Chris Pelly. I have watched this city squander its money on police, fire, garbage pick-up, housing, parks, community centers, potholes, etc. Sidewalks are a much higher priority, so I’m going to vote for Chris Pelly for City Council.

October 14, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville candidates debate environmental issues
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
…Real estate broker Chris Pelly, the second-place finisher, said he coordinated efforts between residents and different government offices to create a local park while president of the Haw Creek Community Association.

October 13, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
History favors Asheville primary leaders
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
If history holds true, City Council primary top finishers Marc Hunt, Chris Pelly and Lael Gray can start picking out their chairs in City Hall.

The three finished first, second and third, respectively, in Tuesday’s race, boding well for them in the Nov. 8 general election where all six primary winners will compete for three seats on the seven-member council.

In all but one recent election, the top three primary finishers won the general election, according to an election analysis Wednesday by the Citizen-Times.

“If you look at my record, it is a record of getting things done,” Pelly said.
Read Entire Article: read more

October 12, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Primary turnout, unfortunately, is one for the record book
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
We’ve been hearing a lot about the “99 percent,” the Occupy Wall Street protesters who say the top 1 percent of Americans are taking advantage of the rest of us. Of late we’ve heard of the “53 percent,” an OWS counterprotest of sorts that seems to be saying, more or less, that the original protesters are lazy bums and should join the 53 percent of Americans who pay income taxes.

As always, Asheville being Asheville, we found a way to be different on Tuesday. Say hello to the 10 percent.

That’s the slice of Asheville’s registered voters who bothered to cast votes in the City Council primary election.
Read Entire Article: read more

October 11, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Voter turnout low for Asheville Council primary
News, Written by, Julie Ball and Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
They had 1,900 ballots at the New Hope Presbyterian Church in South Asheville, enough to handle a 70 percent turnout if needed. But by afternoon, only about 120 ballots had been filled out by voters.

That trend seemed to play out at polling places across the city as turnout in the Asheville City Council primary was around 10 percent, a record low turnout for a city council primary, according to unofficial results. “I haven’t seen any kind of a line today,” said Beverly Switzer, who was handing out information on behalf of candidate Chris Pelly at Haw Creek Elementary School Tuesday. “I think that a lot of people just don’t know about it, unfortunately.”
Read Entire Article: read more

October 8, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Response to Greg Lewis’ October 7, 2011 Letter To The Editor
Comment, Written by, Cecil Bothwell
Of course, our water, sewer and storm drain system are each supported by independent funds, not the general fund of the City, so the letter writer’s concerns are off-target.

Chris Pelly is not concerned with “beautifying” neighborhoods. He advocates accessibility and safety. Kids are a whole lot safer riding their bikes on sidewalks, parents with strollers don’t have to dodge cars, and those in wheel chairs or using walkers can safely traverse our public spaces if there are interconnected sidewalks that take them where they need to go.

Our sidewalk-free neighborhoods are a relic of the post-WWII automobile-centric development that has hindered pedestrian accessibility for two generations. It’s time for Asheville to join other forward-thinking cities and reclaim our community for walkability and health.

October 7, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly’s dedication to community will serve well
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Katie Lauren Pressley
have known Chris Pelly since I was a young child. He has always had a big heart and intelligent mind. His consideration for others and their needs makes him different from other politicians. Chris has always been there for my family when we have needed him. Chris has worked to build sidewalks for veterans and others that walk the roads of East Asheville. He also is involved in fun activities like the Bicycle Race and Community Gathering in Haw Creek in the park that he helped build. Chris has done all of this and more for the Haw Creek community, and if he was voted to City Council, he would exhibit his responsibility and caring to other communities. I hope that Chris will continue his project for sidewalks and as a former Realtor, help families in need of housing and education. Asheville is a beautiful, relaxing and fun place to live, and with Chris’s guidance, the city can become even more of a safe and close community. I am positive that Chris will hear out those in need and will provide to those that feel they haven’t had a voice in decisions for Asheville.

October 5, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Candidates talk downtown at final forum – Final presentation ahead of primary
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
…Davis faced persistent questions from Kenilworth neighborhood activist Valerie Hoh about his vote for a development that residents of the hilly neighborhood say would add hundreds of cars to an already dangerous street.

Davis said he voted that way because permits for the project had already been pulled. “Changing the rules in the middle of the game is not something I’m supportive of.”

Hoh, who is supporting Pelly, and Hunt and Gray also pushed Cates on his connections to the conservative tea party.

Cates said he did the books for them out of friendship to one member and that members have supported him because of one key issue.

…Pelly suggested a “modest” bond to fund new sidewalks and looking into car-free zones downtown, possibly on certain days.

He faced criticism from some in the audience who said that hadn’t worked in other cities. But Pelly pointed to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he said that has helped reduce congestion. “If you’re looking at what we want to look like in 20-30 years, it might be something to consider,” he said.

October 3, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Council candidate Pelly has a proven track record
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Fred Carpenter
I’m writing to encourage your readers to support Chris Pelly for Asheville City Council.

Asheville’s a great place to live and work, and like all other places, it has some problems.

In lots of neighborhoods, you can’t walk to the bus stop because there are no sidewalks. This makes it hard on those of us who want to drive less and use public transportation more. Additionally, we need jobs. We need good jobs that pay a living wage.

I think Chris Pelly is the best candidate to work on these problems. Chris has a proven track record of working tirelessly to unite neighborhoods. When people come together for a common cause, they can get an awful lot done. Pelly also is one of the most positive and effective people I’ve ever met.

No wonder everybody who knows Chris is supporting him.

September 30, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Need council committed to needs of neighborhoods
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Diane Brantley Hankins
For many of us “been heres” and “come heres” alike, Asheville isn’t Beer City, and it has nothing whatsoever in common with Las Vegas. Today it is simply our home of choice.
We have invested all we have in (usually modest) homes in residential neighborhoods. We pay some of the highest property taxes in the state compared to homeowners in cities of smaller size. We hope we will live long enough to see the day when Asheville has a City Council strongly committed to meeting the needs and maintaining the integrity of residential neighborhoods. This dream council, among many other things, will be accountable to the voters for its pro-development decisions rather than delegating them to its appointees on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
One candidate for City Council, Chris Pelly, through his long-term commitment to the Haw Creek Community Association, has demonstrated through leadership and organizational skills that working together we can build a better Asheville. Look for his name on the ballot in the upcoming primary and help elect Chris Pelly to Asheville City Council.

September 30, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly will be excellent choice for council
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Mack Cox
I have known Chris Pelly since 1991, and he has continuously worked for the well-being of Asheville citizens. He will be an excellent choice for City Council because he has demonstrated his ability to achieve positive results by using his skills to convince city and state government (Department of Transportation) to obtain sidewalks in East Asheville from the mall to the VA Hospital and beyond. This has been accomplished where others have failed.
He also spearheaded the establishment of a park in East Asheville for the enjoyment of the young and old alike. His approach to problem-solving is done using skillful management procedures to accomplish positive results. This is a person we need as a council member. In summary, he has convinced government to provide safety measures for its citizens, whereas in the past those priorities were often placed on the back burner, in lieu of other projects. I am a native Ashevillian for 78 years and I think I know a good thing when I see it. Vote for Chris Pelly.

September 29, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Agrees with Pelly’s positions on wages, transportation
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Helen Bodel
I’m new to Asheville and already impressed with its beauty, friendliness, and wonderful lively downtown scene. Now we have an election coming up and I’ve read most of what the candidates say. Chris Pelly seems like an outstanding choice and he’s got my vote. I agree with his positions on living wage jobs and multi-modal transportation to improve the quality of life here. His leadership on these issues is very important. I look forward to seeing him work on City Council to make Asheville an even better place for all of us.

September 28, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Turnout a critical issue in council election
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Barber Melton
I have worked with Chris Pelly for many years on projects that benefit our community. As president of the Haw Creek Community Association, he led the community on two different occasions to raise money to establish a passive park with help from the city of Asheville on Avon Road as well as a huge commitment to buy another site to give access to residents to the Blue Ridge Parkway from Haw Creek for hiking. He led the fight for sidewalks in Haw Creek and on Tunnel Road that resulted in a partnership with state Department of Transportation and the city to install them. As president of the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods, he led forums for interested citizens on how to get involved in their neighborhoods, to present their concerns to council about projects, learn how to use the Uniform Development Ordinance, flood and stormwater ordinances. These were well-attended and appreciated. Chris uses his time and talents to stay involved and will make an excellent council member. He listens to all sides of an issue and will do what is best for the community.

To the voters I beg, vote in this primary and general election. Do not allow a small number of residents to speak for you.

September 26, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Get involved on behalf of true progressives
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Bruce Kennedy
You hear much about “Asheville, the bastion of the progressive’’… as in “making progress toward better conditions; employing or advocating more enlightened or liberal ideas … i.e. a progressive community. “Making,” “employing” and “advocating” are all about action taken to achieve progress. The question then is, where’s all this ‘‘action?” Few even voted in the last election, leaving us with a historic reactionary, backward shift in state politics. The next question is, why do real progressive candidates for City Council like Chris Pelly and Lael Gray have to work so hard to attract broad-based, feet-on-the-ground, check-writing support? These true progressives have been working, continuously, in the trenches of social progress for decades. Chris Pelly has a long list of organized neighborhoods, sidewalks, parks and successful social campaigns on his resume. What’s on yours, Asheville Progressive person? Real progressives do. Please get involved, support progressive council candidates, stand against development-first darlings like Jan Davis and, of course, vote early in the both the primary and general elections. Oh, and you really must stand up for the 1/4 of 1 cent sales tax referendum to keep our local, educational treasure Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College educating our citizens for the essential work ahead.

September 24, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville City Council elections vital to future –
Business, community backers say government’s role critical
News, Written by, Joel Burgess, Staff Writer
…That brush with city government over a zoning issue started a streak of activism that took Peterson in the 1990s to City Hall and eventually to the position of vice mayor.

Kenilworth resident Valerie Hoh’s lesson on the importance of city government came when a developer proposed putting 50-100 homes off her steep winding road where residents already found driving treacherous. Hoh once described herself as “absolutely not” politically active. Now, she has put her clothing design business on hold to work full time on local political issues.

From taxes to development, business regulations to parks and recreation, city government and the elected officials who run it play important roles in determining how people live, work and play.
Residents should keep that in mind during this City Council election…

…It is the level of government closest to people and with which they probably have the closest interaction,” said Frayda Bluestein, a local government law specialist with the UNC School of Government.

“When it comes to the streets and zoning and trash pickup and some of the things that affect people’s daily lives, it’s that level of government that really matters,” Bluestein said.

…Activists such as Hoh and Peterson say electing the right people is vital to the direction of neighborhoods, businesses and the entire city.

“Picking the right City Council candidates will determine the future growth of Asheville,” Hoh said. “I’m working, not because I think they are going to be able to stop this development, but because I want them to be able to help all the other neighborhoods.”

September 23, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Chris Pelly, Candidates Statement
For the past 20 months residents of East Asheville have waged a campaign to bring sidewalks to three roadways; Tunnel, New Haw Creek and Swannanoa River roads. As a leader in this effort, I am pleased to report partial success with sidewalks planned for one of the three, Tunnel Road.

This campaign highlights the limits of existing city policy toward sidewalks. Only by waging a high-visibility campaign, including a 250-person march on Tunnel Road, was our “squeaky wheel” approach successful. I am running for Asheville City Council because we can do better. Asheville residents are demanding safe walking options. Whether Lakeshore Drive, Leicester Highway, Hendersonville Road, or many other roadways, the need is real. To date the official response has been inadequate. Sidewalks are the healthiest, greenest, cheapest way to get around, yet many of our neighborhoods are still unwalkable. Elect me, and that will change.

My ‘‘Neighborhoods United’’ approach is about helping residents find their voice. As president of the Haw Creek Association and Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods, my history is all about helping ordinary folks articulate a vision for the community, then acting to achieve it. I believe strong and organized neighborhoods strengthen our city.

As a diverse city, it is natural there are a range of issues for which progressive leadership is needed. From increasing affordable housing options, to lowering the student achievement gap in city schools, to bringing living-wage jobs, please visit my campaign website, chrispellyforcitycouncil.com, to learn more about my positions and plans.

September 20, 2011
Endorsement
Leni Sitnick, Mayor Asheville 1999 – 2001 Endorses Chris Pelly
When I heard Chris Pelly was running for City Council again, I felt strongly motivated to be in touch with him to let him know I was thrilled. I’ve known Chris for years, and believe strongly in his intelligence, common sense, practicality and compassion for the citizens of Asheville, all of whom he considers neighbors. Chris understands the complexities of governance and how to find solutions that are fair, balanced and effective. His style of leadership inspires confidence and will create an opportunity for all voices to be heard.

I will be voting for Chris and hope you will, too.

September 23, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville City Council candidates debate I-26, taxes
…Pelly: Also raised questions about the intersections and pointed to work with state transportation officials to build sidewalks on U.S. 70. “In the beginning … they said, ‘We don’t do sidewalks.’ In the end, they were a full partner.”
Read Entire Article: read more

September 16, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Shares priorities with Chris Pelly, Lael Gray
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Heather Rayburn
The local Sierra Club recently endorsed three candidates for City Council: Lael Gray, Chris Pelly and Marc Hunt. All three have my vote. However, I can write personally of my friends Chris Pelly and Lael Gray. We share the same priorities. I care about my neighborhood. I want a say in how it’s developed. I want sidewalks and bike lanes. I care about local businesses, living wages, equal rights, and the preservation of our natural resources. I want to see our development laws enforced. The incumbent, Jan Davis, has made votes that I could never support. He voted to give away City Council review of downtown developments. He failed to protect the Kenilworth neighborhood in an important rezoning vote. He voted to give an Ingles superstore special treatment with more signs and larger signs than the sign ordinance allows, and he voted against domestic partner benefits. This kind of thing will not happen under the watch of Chris Pelly and Lael Gray. That’s why I will be voting for them for City Council.

September 14, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville City Council candidates meet in Montford
From Staff Reports
ASHEVILLE — City residents are invited to come talk to City Council candidates during a meet-and-greet session tonight in Montford. The session begins at 7 p.m. at the Randolph Learning Center at 90 Montford Avenue. Candidates will be available to talk to individual residents. There are eight running in the Oct. 11 primary for the three council seats. Six will go on to the November general election. The primary candidates are business consultant Mark Cates, former Boone Town Councilman Saul Chase, City Councilman Jan Davis, land preservationist Marc Hunt, Montford neighborhood activist Lael Gray, libertarian blogger Tim Peck, Haw Creek Community Association President Chris Pelly and gay rights activist T.J. Thomasson. Davis is the lone incumbent.

September 12, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville City Council candidates meet in first forum
News, Written by, Joel Burgess
In their first public forum, candidates for the City Council sought to distinguish themselves and sparred over issues ranging from responsibility for sidewalks to government’s role in protecting private property rights.

Seven of eight council candidates attended the Monday night Kenilworth Residents Association forum at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church. More than 60 residents attended the first full candidate forum of the primary season. Many submitted questions. The Oct. 11 primary will narrow the field to six candidates who will vie for three seats in the November election. Chris Pelly, the Haw Creek Community Association president who has run before for the council, said his emphasis this year is uniting neighborhoods. Pelly suggested a bond referendum that residents would create together to fund sidewalk construction. “We’re not talking a lot of money, about $25-$40 a year per homeowner,” he said. Pelly scolded city leaders for not building sidewalks on main roads such as Leicester Highway.
Read Entire Article: read more

September 6, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
We need Pelly on council to help find creative solutions
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Calvin Underwood
Chris Pelly has provided leadership to and has worked untiringly and effectively with the people of East Asheville for many years. He has given unselfishly of his time and talents with real results (e.g., parks, sidewalks). Chris is a dedicated family man, a veteran, a proven community leader and a genuine ethical person. I have observed Chris Pelly to be a quick study on any issue that arises; a creative thinker willing to listen to others and to engage citizens in a collaborative problem-solving process; and a leader you can trust and who can bring people together to work for the common good. Our City faces many challenges as we go forward. We need Chris Pelly on our City Council to help lead our city towards finding creative solutions to our many problems. I urge voters to elect Chris Pelly for Asheville City Council.

September 6, 2011
Mountain Xpress
PARC endorses Chris Pelly for City Council
Blogwire/News Posted by David Forbes, Staff Writer
Full announcement from People Advocating Real Conservancy below:
Chris Pelly has been a consistent voice for Asheville’s neighborhoods for many years.
• He led the successful fight to reduce the size of the Staples signs.
• He’s kept the pressure on City Council to build more sidewalks, especially in neighborhoods where walking is risky. Last year, this resulted in more sidewalks in East Asheville.
• He led the “Goat Trail” march for sidewalks on Tunnel Road, running from the Veteran’s Quarters to the VA Hospital.

Chris is on our side. He’s released a list of concrete things he stands for, including:
• YES on the AB Tech Referendum
• A Fair Living Wage
• More sidewalks, greenways, and bike lanes
• LGBT Rights, and Equality for All
• More affordable housing, and
• Council control of development

Chris Pelly says, “As president of my neighborhood association and past president of The Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods, I’ve found that organized communities get things done. ‘Neighborhoods United’ is about all of us standing up for a greener, more livable Asheville.”

When we elect Chris Pelly to City Council, we’ll be putting a neighborhood voice on City Council.

September 5, 2011
Mountain Express
Sierra Club endorses three candidates in Asheville City Council race
Blogwire/News, Posted by, Susan Andrew
The Western North Carolina chapter of the Sierra Club recently announced its endorsements for Asheville City Council. The WENOCA group (as the chapter is known locally) has endorsed Lael Gray, Marc Hunt, and Chris Pelly.

“We sent questionnaires to all the candidates and, based on those responses, we interviewed seven of the nine candidates,” says WENOCA political committee chair Ken Brame. “We also looked at previous voting records and past histories of positions and actions taken by the candidates to protect our environment.”

Calling itself the nation’s oldest environmental group, the Sierra Club has weighed in on local and national elections for decades by evaluating and endorsing candidates it considers strong on environmental issues. Because the Club has registered political action committees at the federal and state levels, the WENOCA Group is able to make political endorsements at every level of government within its political boundaries, from U.S. Congress to local county commissioner and city council elections.

September 3, 2011
North Asheville residents talk about treacherous sidewalks
Chris Pelly on Asheville Citizens Times August 31, 2011 article
Once again Asheville City Council has heard from residents about the need for sidewalks. Most recently in north Asheville at their August 30th community meeting. Next up will be south Asheville at a citizen-initiated public hearing Sept. 26th devoted to pedestrian safety. Last year it was 450 residents at a council meeting in east Asheville. And it is only a matter of time before the neighborhoods in west Asheville along Leicester Hwy get fed up with unsafe pedestrian conditions along that dangerous roadway.

As the only candidate for Asheville City Council, incumbent or challenger, who has led successful campaigns resulting in on-the-ground sidewalk improvements, I have the experience needed to address this challenge.

My campaign theme, ‘Neighborhoods United’ is about working together to find solutions to the challenges facing Asheville. And one of our biggest, and most consistently heard, is how we make our neighborhoods safe for walking and bike riding. Our current piece-meal, squeaky wheel approach is inadequate. I support consideration of a bond referendum, with specific goals, to allow us adequately address the pedestrian needs of our community. A bond will take at least four votes on council and the support of the voting public, but elect me and you’ve got one vote for sure.

September 2, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Wise council votes will protect our investment
Letter to The Editor, Written by, Valerie Hoh
Why get involved in the upcoming City Council election? As residents in Asheville, we have already made an investment in our neighborhoods. The strength of Asheville is our community of neighborhoods. We need now a City Council whose goal is to work proactively with our neighborhood concerns and then plan a smart growth policy with the best interests of Asheville in mind.

Three new candidates I am enthusiastically supporting — Chris Pelly, Lael Gray and Marc Hunt have proven track records of working with others to achieve a common goal and a deep commitment to their community and the City of Asheville. Chris’s theme, Neighborhoods United, is about organized communities working together for a greener, more livable Asheville and he will be an experienced neighborhood advocate on City Council. Lael’s slogan of equality, education and environment speaks volumes but it is her passion to see it happen that is so energizing. Marc’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, to economic and social justice will also help guide Asheville into the future.

Active support for these three candidates is critical in the upcoming months.Volunteer and get your neighborhood involved. Take friends and family to early voting — Sept 22-Oct 8.

September 2, 2011
Mountain Xpress
Sidewalks for everyone: North Asheville residents give Council their two cents
News Written by, Caitlin Byrd, Staff Writer
North Asheville residents told members of City Council that they don’t want to play chicken with cars anymore when they walk or bike in their neighborhood. Speaking at Council’s Aug. 30 community meeting, held at UNCA’s Wilma Sherrill Center, residents cited problems with narrow roads, lack of sidewalks and other safety concerns.

“The sidewalks along Merrimon [Avenue] are either nonexistent or largely not safe,” resident Billie Buie told the six Council members and about 40 fellow residents who attended the meeting (Mayor Terry Bellamy was absent). Bluie, who has helped coordinate efforts to improve walkability along Merrimon, called the route a “big, messy and busy corridor.”

Some sections of the thoroughfare are marked by “little foot trails” in the grass, showing where pedestrians try to avoid oncoming traffic, she reported.

Merrimon’s nearly three-mile length isn’t the only problem corridor. Resident Deborah Pirie reported that Charlotte Street could use some new and improved sidewalks too. Like Buie, she has been involved in helping local business owners, city staff and fellow residents find ways to improve the situation. Part of that effort included a survey sent to residents in three Charlotte Street neighborhoods, Pirie explained.

Eighty people responded to the survey, with 64 percent reporting they did not feel safe walking along Charlotte Street, she noted.

The stretch from Edwin Place to Interstate 240 is a particular problem. That section of Charlotte Street Is “a four-lane road [with] two rather narrow sidewalks on either side,” said Pirie. To make matters worse: “On one side, utility poles march down the center of the sidewalk,” she added.

That’s a safety problem, Buie said, reporting that she has witnessed similar challenges on Merrimon Avenue, where people in wheelchairs or pushing a stroller must venture into roadways to get around such obstacles.

Asked what could be done, Asheville Transportation Department Director Ken Putnam noted plans to implement a permit policy that would require the utility companies to notify the city when repairing a pole or replacing it.

For now, utility companies are only required to file a permit when they plan on setting a new pole, but not when they need to replace one, Asheville Public Works Director Cathy Ball explained.

Lakeshore Drive also lacks much-needed sidewalks, perhaps more so than the area’s two major routes, north Asheville resident Kelly Wolfe told Council. “I have two children, and I literally have to stroll them in the middle of the street,” she said. “We actually have to get in our car and drive a quarter of a mile to walk around the lake.”

After listening to similar comments and questions, Council member Esther Manheimer acknowledged that sidewalks are a citywide need. She recalled a community meeting that took place this time last year in east Asheville: Held at Groce United Methodist Church’s Asbury Hall, the Aug. 31 meeting attracted more than 300 people, and the fire marshal had to turn away about 150 once the hall reached full capacity. The hot topics of the day were sidewalks and pedestrian safety, primarily along Tunnel Road (See “Whose Side Are You On?” Sept. 7, 2010, Xpress.)

In response to the concerns raised then, the city worked with residents and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to develop a plan and get the funding for some new sidewalks.

Council member Gordon Smith remarked, “This year during our capital improvement project budget, I believe that we doubled the amount of money that we’re going to be putting towards construction on new sidewalks and also increase the maintenance on our existing sidewalks.”

Still, putting in new sidewalks is an expensive and complex endeavor, Council members Jan Davis and Manheimer noted, particularly in these tough economic times. Plans must take into account the gas, water and fiber-optic lines that often run beneath existing sidewalks or where new ones need to go.

Sidewalks must also adhere to specific guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that paths be wide enough for wheelchairs and built with materials suitable for them, Putnam added. For example, though less expensive than asphalt, gravel would not an allowed material.

And the whole process takes time, said Council member Bill Russell, noting the additional challenge of north Asheville’s topography.

But it’s time that Council members are willing to take, Smith assured residents. “We are doing everything we can, within the budget constraints that we have, to be able to address what is in my view a core responsibility of government.”

September 1, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly will help make Asheville even more special
Letter to The Editor, Written by, Howie Frankel
I have had the privilege of working alongside Chris Pelly for many years and am honored to call him my friend. I know Chris to be a very honest and sincere person with a passion to help with the betterment of his community. He is a man of his word.

He not only has a vision for Asheville but also a track record of implementing it. His values and ideas for helping to make Asheville an even more desirable place to live are practical and important for many reasons including health, economic and safety. Greenways, sidewalks and bike lanes are just a few of the assets that this community so desperately needs.

Chris has always been pragmatic and a consensus builder, which has enabled him to be successful in his many endeavors. As president of the Haw Creek Association, along with his participation and leadership in many other projects, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to improve people’s lives. I will be proud when he represents us on City Council. I urge people to vote for him. He will definitely continue to work to make Asheville an even more special place to live.

August 31, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly helped neighborhoods; help him help Asheville
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Beth Jezek
Those of us lucky enough to live in East Asheville, have benefited over the past 15 years from the commitment and dedication of one of Asheville’s best-kept secrets: Chris Pelly. I have been involved with homeowners’ associations in several parts of the country but have never encountered an individual who has accomplished as much in the community as has Chris Pelly. Because of Chris’ ability to unify neighbors and neighborhoods, Haw Creek has two parks and new sidewalks in several parts of the community. Chris knows the city processes and is familiar with the workings of the agencies and departments at City Hall. Chris Pelly is now running for City Council. He will bring to City Council his leadership and his talent for uniting neighborhoods for a better quality of life. Improving neighborhoods with sidewalks, bike lanes and greenways will provide jobs and will move Asheville toward becoming a greener city. It will benefit every resident of Asheville to have Chris on City Council. Please vote for Chris Pelly in the primary on Oct. 11 and again in the general election on Nov. 8.

August 31, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
North Asheville residents talk about treacherous sidewalks
News, Written by, Joel Burgess
Residents of the city’s north side want to be able to walk to the store or park, but sometimes choosing not to crank up the car can be dangerous, members of the public told the City Council during a special Tuesday community meeting at UNC Asheville.

North Asheville resident Billy Buie, who has worked with other residents and business owners to identify ways to improve Merrimon Avenue, said one of the issues that comes up consistently is walkability.
Entire Article: read more

August 26, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly a strong advocate for needs of neighborhoods
Opinion, Written by, Robert Pierce, Local Columnist
I have known Chris Pelly for five years and wholeheartedly support him for City Council. I worked with him on the Haw Creek Community Association board and found him to be a strong advocate for quality neighborhoods. He has demonstrated this by his involvement in establishing Haw Creek Park and Masters Park, and getting new sidewalks along New Haw Creek and Tunnel roads.

Chris is ready and eager to take his mission of quality neighborhoods and common-sense infrastructure improvements like sidewalks, greenways and bike lanes citywide. There is always a continuing need for strong neighborhood advocates on City Council, and Chris Pelly is the person for the job.

August 25, 2011
30th Annual Goombay Festival
Chris Pelly joined the festivities of the 30th annual Goombay celebration in downtown’s historical Eagle / Market Street. Along with registering Voters, he shared his message of Neighborhoods United – organized neighborhoods are part of the infrastructure of a strong city.

August 23, 2011
Mountain Xpress
Chris Pelly will amaze you
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Vickie Gaddy
I’ve been a Haw Creek Association board member for 10 years with Chris Pelly in the Haw Creek Homeowners Association. Pelly embodies leadership, a must for City Council. He takes on issues and tasks, follows through with discussions and phone calls. He pulls the group together — and not just our neighborhood. Pelly can pull our city together.

I believe in him. I was sick in 2008. Our community wanted sidewalks. He did the homework, got information to us, and people from all over the city and county banded together. I participated in the Walk for Sidewalks rally, after just regaining my ability to walk again. The publicity from those actions led to sidewalk construction.

Pelly realized that areas needed sidewalks. He and the Sidewalk Initiative organized meetings with the Department of Transportation. The DOT respected what he brought to the meeting. Pelly brought the DOT’s own laws and rules to the meeting and asked why U.S. Highway 70’s dangerous areas couldn’t have sidewalks (Pelly’s research showed it was possible). The DOT is not in the sidewalk business, but things happened when Chris and other leaders got us more sidewalk commitments. Much needed sidewalks are being built.

He is not just about sidewalks. Pelly has the ability to diplomatically work with agencies, hear concerns to pull people together and make things happen. He’s Ashville City Council’s next “mover and shaker.”

Join the team. He’ll amaze you. Pelly won’t be on City Council unless voters get registered, get off the couch and change what needs to be changed. Chris Pelly is our liason and leader. He is a priority for today’s world.

August 19, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly will work hard for all of Asheville
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Ralph Morris
Chris Pelly has done a lot for the East Asheville area and proved that he is a hard worker. Let’s elect him to the city council and give him a chance to work hard for the whole city.

August 18, 2011
Mountain Xpress
Council Candidate Chris Pelly: South Asheville needs sidewalks *VIDEO*
Features, Written by, Jake Frankel, Columnist
Here’s the message and video City Council Candidate Chris Pelly recently sent out via his campaign email newsletter. (Text Follows)
South Asheville Needs Sidewalks. I’m running for Asheville City Council because many roads in Asheville (like Hendersonville Road) have been without sidewalks for far too long.Residents in South Asheville have been waiting years and years. I’m all about bringing sidewalks to all of the roads and streets that need them. With the model of Neighborhoods United, we can do anything! Sidewalks are important but other things are as well. We need safe bike lanes in our city. In the Shiloh neighborhood, many homes are still without sewer service. West Asheville, North Asheville, Deaverview Road; all need sidewalks. Lakeshore Drive and Beaverdam Road need sidewalks as well. When neighborhoods unite, we can do amazing things.

Take a look at this new video to hear some South Asheville residents speaking out.

August 16, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Reader enjoys parks, sidewalks, grateful for Pelly
Letter to The Editor, Written by, Terry Gillespie
One of the nicest parts of living even part-time in Asheville is the citizen-initiated parks such as Masters Park in east Asheville.

I have been fortunate to have been involved in Masters Park from the beginning and look forward each visit to seeing the progress which has been made on this park.
I am also happy to see each visit that more sidewalks have been built in east Asheville, making it safer for us to walk to the mall.

I am grateful for the efforts of people like Mr. Chris Pelly in working for the park and the sidewalks. He is a positive force for the people of Asheville.

August 12, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
New resident backing two candidates in council race
Letter To The Editor, Written by, David Troy Francis
I moved to Asheville this past October after 30 years in Los Angeles. Asheville is a jewel of a city, and two of the candidates for City Council I support have that same stellar quality.
My first candidate is Lael Gray. She is a forceful advocate for neighborhoods and is a thoughtful, passionate and accomplished woman. Lael is a brave, progressive voice with experience as both a mother and businesswoman. She looks you in your eye when you talk, and Lael does what she says she will do when she says she will do it.

My other candidate is Chris Pelly. Chris has been the motivating force behind sidewalks in the Haw Creek area that were sorely needed. But what impressed me most was when he emailed the people of Haw Creek and asked us to take cold drinks down to the workers building the sidewalks. Now, here is a man who not only gets things done but treats people with consideration along the way.
I ask my fellow voters to consider Lael Gray and Chris Pelly for City Council. Lael won’t Fail, and Chris can’t Miss!

August 11, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Pelly offers integrity, experience City Council needs
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Michael N. Lewis
I have known Chris Pelly for more than 20 years, and I am pleased to support him for City Council.
Chris’ character can be summed up with one word: integrity. He has strong values without being an ideologue, the trap that far too many politicians have fallen into.

Chris will be a strong voice for neighborhoods, a constituency that is often not represented on council. However, he knows that a city is not merely neighborhoods. A city cannot be viable without responsible growth; jobs that pay a living wage; affordable housing; functioning, effective services; fair and certain enforcement of laws and regulations; and a strong school system to support it all.

Voicing concerns and rhetoric generally don’t produce anything. But Chris Pelly has backed his words with action and results. He has long been a leader in the Haw Creek neighborhood, taking an active role in obtaining sidewalks and creating a park. As president of the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods, he led the organization in sponsoring community congresses and CAN’s successful insistence that businesses and developers comply with city regulations, a campaign that CAN continues.

Chris will make an effective and fair city councilman. Vote for Chris Pelly.

August 8, 2011
Asheville Citizen-Times
Reader enthused about Pelly’s run for council seat
Letter To The Editor, Written by, Vickie Gaddy
I’ve been a Haw Creek Association board member for 10 years, serving with Chris Pelly in the Haw Creek Homeowners Association. Pelly’s leadership is a must for City Council. Issues/tasks, discussion follows, phone calls — he pulls groups together, issues handled. Simple. But it’s not just about our neighborhood and our issues. Chris can pull our city together. He is not just about sidewalks. Pelly’s knowledge to diplomatically work with agencies, hearing concerns, pulling together, making things happen mean he’s City Council’s next “mover and shaker.”

Join the team, he’ll amaze you; hear about the next thing he’s up to. He cannot be on city council unless voters get registered to vote, and get off the couch to change what needs to be changed.

Chris Pelly is our liaison and leader. He is a priority for today’s world – we need Chris, you’ll agree as you meet him.