Water wars: You make the call

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Jason Sandford

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

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A few weeks ago, mountain lawmakers sponsored legislation (two bills) in the N.C. House that would determine the fate of how Ashvegas water is handled. They stepped in because for more than a year, Ashvegas council and the Buncombe commish have been unable to reach a new agreement to replace the one that ends at the end of this month.

Rep. Susan Fisher co-sponsored said bills.

Then Fisher decided to flip. The local newspaper reported the change of heart:

Fisher, who has not officially removed her name as a bill sponsor, said she changed her mind after further research and talks with constituents. She said she wanted to give the city and county an opportunity to talk without feeling any legislative threat.
“The reason that I reluctantly signed on to the bills in the beginning was that I was convinced by others in the delegation that these bills were the portion of my legislative responsibility to this issue,” she said.

Earlier this week, Fisher apparently changed her mind again. This report:

Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe, voted for the legislation after she attempted to delay passage of the bill. The bill now goes to the Senate for approval.

It’s reported here, too:

The focus on Raleigh is hardly a coincidence – the local delegation has gotten deeply involved in the water struggle. Initially, Reps. Wilma Sherrill, Bruce Goforth and Susan Fisher co-sponsored two House bills that would prohibit the city from charging higher rates to county customers. In April, Fisher removed her name from the bills (dubbed Sullivan II and Sullivan III), saying she needed time for further study of the complex issues.

So you make the call: flipflopper or just waffler?

Jason Sandford

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

  • 1

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