David's Work as County CommissionerEDUCATION (Youth and Adult)
OUR COMMUNITY Healthcare Security Housing Animal Welfare
OUR ECONOMY
ENERGY and FUEL SAVINGS
ENVIRONMENT Smart Growth – Land Use Water Quality – Erosion Prevention Land Fill Recreation
TRANSPARENCY EducationInvesting in the education of our young people and workforce is vitally important. I have a long history of supporting education efforts. My wife and I have sent both of our kids through this school system. They got a great education and went on to pursue their dreams - and that's what I want for everyone. In my time on the board, I've: Approved $35 million bond funding for school facilities. Had 3 new middle schools constructed in Enka, Windy Ridge, and Cane Creek areas to relieve overcrowding. Had 4 new libraries built in Leicester, Enka, North Asheville, and Fairview and completely renovated 2 existing libraries at Weaverville and South Buncombe. Supported the budget request for computers and increased technology in schools. Got the money for new computer labs and increased technology in schools so that our kids will be as competitive as possible in tomorrow's workforce Supported teacher supplements to hire and retain the best teachers possible. Gave $3 million from the budget to help renovate Enka campus of AB-Tech and $10.9 million to the existing facility. Moved Job Link Career Center to AB Tech so that students can have easy access to job assistance Community: Health and Human ServicesHealthcare, housing and security is our moral obligation to the citizens of Buncombe County. HEALTHCARE Ensured that all County residents have some access to health care by partnering with medical community on Project Access Established regional laboratory at Health Department Created Mental Health Reform action and planning Employee health clinic established at no additional costs Consolidated 911 dispatch communications to make emergency response teams faster and more effective SECURITY Support Sheriff's requests for additional officers to make community safer Increased salaries for law enforcement officers to reasonable levels to prevent corruption Developed Regional Bioterrorism team Obtained $300,000 grant for Homeland Security efforts Supported soldiers through 911 recalls and Operation Free Iraq (phone cards and health insurance for military personnel) Funded and built new jail facility to deal with overcrowding (248 new beds) Automated criminal justice system in partnership with City of Asheville to increase efficiency and lower costs HOUSING Set up Affordable Housing Trust for innovative programs, building projects Supported ongoing housing programs that increase supply of affordable homes Adopted of 1st Rental Code to protect tenants in Buncombe County history Adopted safety and decency standards for mobile homes ANIMAL WELFARE Initiated 'Countdown to Zero' program, whose goal is to end euthanasia of healthy animals in shelters by 2012 Replaced disgraceful animal shelter with new shelter facility on Pond Road Created partnership with Humane Society and AB Tech veterinarian programs Required spay/neuter of pets to decrease costs of shelter program and pressure to euthanise Our EconomyNO tax rate increase all 12 years in office; lowered rate from .73 to .52 Supported business incentives for new and expanding businesses Authorized downtown parking program to increase spaces near courthouse; 630 new parking spaces will be created 99.15% tax collection rate - consistently one of the highest in NC Maintained "AA" bond rating to reduce interest costs and continue ability to borrow money for major projects Cut computer costs by $500,000 by lease instead of purchase Adopt land use regulations - limit inconsistent land uses that decrease the financial value of property Adopt land use plan to protect property rights for homeowners and businesses Work with Handmade in America to finance their program to keep and increase jobs available for Americans Reduced taxpayer labor costs with inmate labor Create funding for Wi-Fi reception in downtown area
Energy and FuelAs we've all seen from the recent gas crisis, we depend a lot on fuel and energy. We need to transition into alternative fuel and power while making our vehicles and buildings more energy efficient so that this shortage doesn't happen again. I have been ahead of addressing the fuel shortage by supporting change in the county's energy use: Switched to bio-diesel to power the equipment used in landfill, transfer station and public safety facilities Adopted master plan for energy reduction to reduce government spending and energy consumption Purchased 22 hybrid vehicles for county use, so that the county doesn't compete with citizens at the pump and or waste tax money on gasoline Replaced inefficient courthouse windows to keep heating and cooling costs down Initiated “Turn Off the Juice" program Extended bus system to Black Mountain to encourage use of affordable public transportation EnvironmentOur environment is our heritage. These mountains are our greatest resource and the base of our economy. It is our duty to act as stewards to our land. CONSERVATION and AIR/WATER QUALITY Set up Environmental Advisory Board to proactively consider environmental issues Set up Land Conservancy Board, which has permanently protected 8,876 acres of land (14% of total land in Buncombe County) from development Adopted Blue Ridge Parkway buffer zone that limits unsightly over-development of that national treasure Protected 80 more acres of land next to Blue Ridge Parkway in Haw Creek for a public park Stopped attempts to pave roads through National Forest Adopted noise ordinance to help control noise pollution Helped organize the Early Action Compact with five counties to speed air pollution control efforts Adopted 1st storm water ordinance in western NC to limit runoff problems Adopted CFL recycling program to eliminate mercury poisoning. (Mercury is a hazardous toxin. Certain light bulbs can leak mercury into groundwater if they are not recycled properly.) SMART GROWTH - LAND USE Passed a land use plan that helps long range preservation of our quality of life Adopted steep slope construction guidelines and ridge top development laws that limit the development of luxury condominiums and subdivisions. Irresponsible development causes land slides, erosion, displaced wildlife and crowded roads that damage property value, water quality, and quality of life. Adopted a law to notify communities affected by subdivision developer plans before construction begins Adopt zoning planning ordinance to give residents voice in the future of their neighborhoods Fund program to get rid of junk mobile homes that litter many neighborhoods Limited construction of asphalt plants and cell phone towers Banned new billboards in County Cleaned up junk car lots LANDFILL IMPROVEMENTS Maintained the top land fill in the United States, for which the county received the EPA Excellence in Leadership Award Initiated a public/private partnership to create composting facility at landfill Obtain $433,000 for Bioreactor at landfill, which reduces the air quality impact of the landfill and makes it a safer facility, with increased space for waste disposal (visit: buncombebioreactor.com) Established a comprehensive household recycling program at the landfill Partnered with UNCA to recycle landfill gas to power kilns and welding equipment RECREATION Created new kayak and mountain bike parks Created first class soccer complex at Sand Hill Venable school 4 new swimming pools at Enka, Cane Creek, Erwin, and Owen areas Partnered with City of Asheville to create Beaucatcher Park, linking City to urban park Supported Hominy Valley Park Approved master plan for development of parks, greenways, trails Partnered with RiverLink to purchase property for river development Transparency and Efficiency in an Open GovernmentI stand for an open and transparent government that we need to serve the citizens of Buncombe County better. Created and funded Public Access TV Televised all Commission and Community meetings Held 38 Community meetings in all parts of Buncombe County Created an Interactive Website for Buncombe County Government Improved customer service and information on Website Offered property tax base via website Replaced and modernized 40 year-old voting machines Consolidated permit and inspection in same building Automated criminal justice system in partnership with City of Asheville Obtained $1.3 million grant for electronic data management system to increase government efficiency David Gantt is endorsed by the Asheville Citizen-Times.
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