Councilwoman Kim Roney is running for mayor on a platform of providing aid after the Hurricane Helene reach the families that were left out of other programs.
“Immigration status should not determine a family’s ability to recover after a disaster,” Roney told Enlace Latino NC .
On November 3, Roney faces the Mayor Esther ManheimerThe current mayor, who has governed the city since 2013, won the 2022 election in a nonpartisan contest. The winner will preside over the seven-member City Council, without veto power. Additionally, in Asheville's system of governance, day-to-day operations are managed by a city manager.
As part of the initiative'Your Vote is Power'and our commitment to report in Spanish on issues that impact the entire community, Enlace Latino NC sent the same questionnaire, with the same deadline, to both candidates for mayor of Asheville. Incidentally, it's the largest city in western North Carolina.
Who is Kim Roney
Roney is a music teacher and small business owner. She grew up in rural South Carolina, where from the age of 14 she was primarily responsible for caring for her seven younger siblings. She was also the first in her family to attend college.
She graduated from James Madison University, has lived in Asheville for 20 years, and is in her sixth year on the City Council. “I believe we can take better care of our neighbors and our mountain home,” she said.
Overdue repairs
“Home repairs are still far behind schedule, and many families are waiting for safe homes,” Roney said. “Only 14% of the repair projects following Hurricane Helene have been completed.”
“We need funding for these repairs, while also protecting the funds needed to fix our water system,” she added. “As mayor, I will push for more state and federal funding and work to change regulations so that nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and PODER Emma can use recovery funds to help families repair their homes.”
She also proposes using the Council's agendas to publicly monitor recovery projects, spending, and deadlines.
Families without access to aid
According to Roney, many families did not qualify for federal aid or their losses were not covered by insurance. “Latino-led grassroots and neighborhood groups, as well as organizations that support immigrants, are often excluded from recovery decisions,” she said. Furthermore, “Fear of federal immigration enforcement measures poses another barrier to seeking assistance.”
As mayor, she said, “I would continue to work with the city council, the county, community groups, and other local partners to get funds to families who may not be able to access other recovery aid, including rental assistance, utility payments, and home repairs.” She did not specify an amount or a new program.
Security and immigration control
Her security plan includes “a Community Safety Office and the HEART program to deploy certified professionals to emergencies related to mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.” Durham uses that same name for his Holistic and Empathic Assistance Response Teams (HEART). She also wants to refund the Strategic Partnership Fund, dedicated to preventing gun violence.
Roney goes beyond the contract with Flock Safety The council canceled the measure on August 25 and supports removing all automatic license plate readers from the city. According to her, “they violate our rights, can be abused by local officers, and have been used in other cities” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track residents.
“Asheville must stand firm in protecting constitutional rights and security,” she said.
Housing and tenants
“Often, fixing a problem in the roof or foundation to help a family stay in their home can cost less than building a new floor for that same family,” Roney said.
“I voted to approve the anti-eviction measures proposed by the Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition, including $3 million in housing repair funding,” she added. The Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition brings together leaders from five Asheville neighborhoods, including Emma and Burton Street.
Roney highlighted her support for the No Rent for Slumlords campaign. On September 8, the Council approved aordinance which prohibits landlords from charging rent for a home that a city inspector deems unsafe or unfit for habitation.
According to Roney, the process “may result in the return of three months’ rent if the violation is not remedied,” although the approved text does not include a provision on refunds.
“Asheville can follow Durham’s example and offer a financial allowance to board members to ensure that having to take time off from work or family does not prevent them from participating,” she said regarding zoning decisions.
You may be interested: What is known about the special session of the North Carolina General Assembly on the gas tax
Buses, health and employment
Roney proposes creating a joint public transportation system with the county that would extend service south of Asheville to Swannanoa and add nighttime hours. “We must protect public transportation because it is a meeting point between equitable access, economic mobility, and environmental management,” she said.
In healthcare, she believes the city should confront HCA Healthcare, owner of Mission Hospital. She also supports Costco's arrival and voted against a potential Amazon warehouse, which she says would have blocked her.
Candidate's website: kimroney4asheville.com
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