The Ellington: All about the birds

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Councilman Carl Mumpower says he doesn’t like City Council getting into operational details of the Ellington – to wit, the required dimming of Ellington lights to save birds during spring and fall migrations.

Mumpower asks staff – how many dead birds are laying around the BB&T?

Vice Mayor Holly Jones interrupts, telling the mayor she thinks Mumpower is making fun of the bird situation. Mayor Terry Bellamy agrees and strikes her gavel. She calls the question. Mumpower says you’re calling the question in the middle of my inquiry? Yes, says Bellamy, with all due respect, she’s running a meeting. Mumpower says I don’t want your respect, I want my questions answered.

Bellamy calls the question and just like that, it’s over. The Ellington is approved, and we hear Bellamy on the mic saying dern, she forgot to say her piece on the issue.