For the first time in the history of Asheville, a Latino candidate became a new member of the city's City Council, according to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE).
Roberto “Bo” Hess won one of the three City Council seats up for grabs on Tuesday, November 5, with 23,890 votes (19,73%).
In a competition of 6 candidates, the councilors Sage Turner and Kim Roney were re-elected and Hess joined as the new Democratic, Latino and gay city councilman of the largest city in Western North Carolina.
“Thank you for all the support. I am ready to get to work for Asheville. I am proud of my team,” Bo Hess shared last night in a phone conversation with Enlace Latino NC when the results already indicated that he would be the one to occupy the new position as municipal councilor for the city.
Related: "“My campaign is based on community service,” Roberto “Bo” Hess
Who is Roberto “Bo” Hess?
Roberto “Bo” Hess has become a historic figure in Asheville as the first openly elected councilman gay and Latin.
The son of a Mexican mother, Bo was born in Lubbock, Texas, and grew up surrounded by family and community values that influenced his vocation for service.
A clinical social worker specializing in addictions, Hess holds degrees in social work from Western Carolina University and a master's degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
His professional experience includes work in the veterans health system and mental health centers, where she addresses issues of trauma and social justice.
He is also an adjunct professor at Western Carolina University and is actively involved in community organizations such as Blue Ridge Pride.
Last night, while awaiting the results, he was accompanied by his mother, Sussie Salinas Hess, who is Mexican, has been a constant inspiration to him, and whom he describes as “the most selfless person I know.”
Related: North Carolina Commits to Affirming LGBTQ+ Rights
Asheville City Council: One Mayor and 6 Council Members
The Asheville City Council is comprised of seven members: a mayor and six councilmembers.
In the recent elections, three of these seats were up for election. The top two spots went to Sage Turner, with 22.85% of the vote, and Kim Roney, with 20.98%, while the third spot went to "Bo" Hess.
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
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Congratulations to Bo Hess on his great achievement of winning a seat on the Ashville, NC City Council. His mother, Mrs. Sussie Hess, has always been a supporter of the Latino community and it is an honor to know her and to learn of the great achievement of her son, Bob Hess.