Get There Asheville, an informal coalition of city residents who believe a robust, multi-modal transit network is essential to Asheville’s environmental, economic and social health, is planning a series of events this campaign season aimed at amplifying the voices of cyclists, walkers and bus riders in city politics.
More than half of Asheville’s mayoral and city council candidates have already committed to participating in Get There Asheville’s upcoming candidate fair and post-primary candidate forum.
“We’re thrilled that so many of those interested in serving our community recognize the importance of building a local transportation network worthy of the 21st century,” said Mike Sule, a member of Get There Asheville’s coordinating committee.
Earlier this summer, candidates were invited to complete a questionnaire designed to highlight their views on local transportation. Survey responses are posted at www.getthereasheville.com.
Candidates were also invited to join Get There Asheville at Clingman Café on Sept. 17 for a candidate fair, at which each candidate will be given a booth at which to showcase his or her local transportation platform, and an opportunity to address the crowd on issues pertaining to transit. Coordinating committee member Sandy Tarantino said the event is intended to be both informative and fun.
“No matter how we choose to get around Asheville, we can all celebrate the development of multi-modal strategies to move our community forward,” Tarantino said.
Get There Asheville will also host a more formal forum following the primary.
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Get There Asheville Candidate Fair
Thursday, Sept. 17
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Clingman Café, 242 Clingman Ave.
The fair will be held in the parking lot of Clingman Café. The restaurant will remain open throughout the fair to serve beer, wine and snacks.
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Get There Asheville Candidate Forum
Wednesday, Oct. 14
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Asheville Design Center, 8 College St.
The forum will be moderated by Get There Asheville member Sandy Tarantino, who will ask questions collected through the group’s web site.
