For other Molton cartoons, check out our Web page at www.mountainx.com/cartoons It is time to start pushing for change on the state level. North Carolina has one of the strongest insurance lobbies in the country. Don’t let them benefit even more by others’ misfortunes while they deliver minimal to no benefits. A phone call or letter can make a difference. Go to this site, http://avl.mx/2y, to find out who represents you on a state level and how to contact them. — Kathy Kyle Hendersonville
Come off it, Moffitt I can’t believe the hubris of newly elected Buncombe County Rep. Tim Moffitt in attempting to rush through a bill (HB 471) in the North Carolina Legislature — without prior discussion with his constituents — that would drastically change the way Buncombe County is run. The bill, calling for county commissioners to be elected by district rather than countywide, as they have since 1791, also would expand the number of commissioners from five to seven — hardly the way to go in these tight economic times. A proposal of this magnitude and far-reaching effect should not proceed without community input and allowing Buncombe County residents a vote on the matter. Please let Tim Moffitt know we want a say in this through community discussion and a referendum. — Sharon Schuster Arden
Let Buncombe vote! A bill hurdling through the General Assembly [HB 471] will erase 220 years of Buncombe County tradition overnight without the consent of the Buncombe County residents that it will affect. People may have different opinions on Tim Moffitt’s proposal to expand the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and allow people fewer votes. In 2007, when Asheville tried to change the way elections were run, a referendum
revealed the voters didn’t want it. That’s why I think there ought to be a referendum this time as well, so Buncombe voters can decide whether they want the change or not. We don’t need Raleigh telling us how we can vote for our local representation. Let Buncombe vote! — Martha Julie Sherman Asheville
Like it or not, cyclists are here to stay I would like to personally and publicly thank the individual who decided it was necessary to throw and hit me in the back with a full plastic water bottle from the passenger seat of a truck while I was on the side of Blue Ridge Road in Black Mountain on Good Friday afternoon, trying to fix my broken bicycle. I was off the road, three miles from my house, and was not in anyone’s way. I also wanted to let you know that it’s a good thing I didn’t get your license-plate number because I could have had you charged with assault and battery, as I had a witness who had just pulled up to generously offer me assistance. I suppose I should be glad it was only a full plastic water bottle and not a shotgun. It’s such a shame that hostile people like you live in this area, and it’s too bad you have such an immature attitude toward cyclists, because whether you like it or not, we’re here to stay. Happy Strive Not to Drive week! — Melanie Ross Black Mountain
Xpress’ poetic side I loved the poetry scattered throughout the classifieds [“Let Us Suddenly Proclaim Spring,” April 20 Xpress]. If it’s not a permanent feature, it should be. Thanks for supplying my weekly lunchtime reading. — Terri Wells Asheville
mountainx.com • MAY 4 - MAY 10, 2011