Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
While we continue to wait for the other Ashvegas mayoral candidates to come out of the woodwork (we know you’re out there), we thought we’d indulge in a little wild speculation – what if Gene Ellison runs?
What if, indeed. Ellison is a charismatic, energetic leader whose time may well have come. The local attorney is well-known in Ashvegas civic circles and a force in the black community. The rumor mill is churning with talk that he’s thinking about a run. Could be just smoke, but it’s election season, so let’s feel this one out.
Ellison has always had a taste for politics. He was elected to Ashvegas City Council in 1989 and held the post of vice mayor in the early 1990s, until 1993 I think, when he gave up his seat to run for mayor. He lost that race and there was some talk of him flirting with a run for state House or Senate, but that never materialized.
Fast-forward 12 years. Ellison solidified his standing in the local law community. He picked up a few high-profile cases, including representing the family of a prominent local black couple, Lonnie and Lucille Burton, killed in a tragic plane crash 10 years ago next month.
The turboprop’s propeller broke and, in a horrifying 10 minutes, the plane dipped and rolled, breaking apart upon landing in a hayfield in Carollton, Ga. Ten people died in ASA Flight 529 on Aug. 21, 1995. I think it was the company that made the propellor that settled out of court with the survivors and family members of those who died. Much more on this story later.
The case made Ellison. Since then, he’s continued his practice and worked with a variety of civic organizations, including the YMI Cultural Center, and has remained behind the scenes in local Democratic Party circles. He’s always been active, working on behalf of statewide candidates and presidential wannabes at the local level.
So far, Mayor Charles Worley has filed for re-election. Councilwoman Terry Bellamy is running again for mayor (she lost in the primary last-time round.) A couple of others I think have filed, too. Former mayor Leni Sitnick is still thinking about it. And some watchers wonder if well-liked Councilman Joe Dunn will go for it.
So why would Ellison run? I think a number of local political forces sense a leadership void and are desperate to field a solid candidate. Gene would be one. He knows all the right people. He can afford to run. And after his years in politics, he’s got the insticts.
Do I think he’ll run? Doubtful. But it’s fun to wonder, what if?
