Michael Muller, an Asheville political operative-turned-journalist, is leaving the Mountain Xpress, the alternative newsweekly announced Thursday. Muller is leaving to pursue other interests, including writing a book about Asheville philanthropist Julian Price, the newspaper reported.
Muller, who joined the newspaper as a reporter this spring, was known before that in Asheville as political consultant who worked for Republican candidates, including former Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower and former Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chairman Nathan Ramsey.
Muller wrote and reported business stories, as well as one piece on the impact of Price (a big benefactor of the Xpress) on Asheville. He also reported on the local political scene.
On Asheville’s connected social media scene, Muller sometimes cut an outrageous and controversial figure. His handling of the Mountain Xpress news feed on Twitter triggered the newspaper to publicly debate its rules for that feed’s usage specifically, and reporters’ online behavior in general.
Good luck to Muller in his new endeavors!
5 Comments
Tracy is just upset that Michael wasnt another mindless status quo opinionated Mountain oppressed writer.
The Audacity of other people having a different opinion
Would Ms. Hyorth care to expand a little on her remarks about Julian Price? Not to tarnish his image but since she has raised the matter, she might round out the picture of him for those who read Mr. Muller's tribute article. She has been part of the local media scene for many years and has insights the rest of us may not.
He's a smart and talented guy. He's way beyond this small town.
Good luck to Muller in his new endeavor. I hope he tells the entire Julian Price story and not just the glossy how great Julian was story that everyone has already heard many times plus. There was another side to the man, that wasn't all icing and sweet. Like the rest of us Julian was certainly not a perfect person.
Not a loss at all for an otherwise professional publication.