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Four Seasons Politics

Democrats gain majority
 on county elections board

Hendersonville Four Seasons Politics

Tax referendum may be a long shot

The city’s request for a quarter-cent sales tax referendum faces an uphill battle in a Legislature resistant to local tax measures.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Republicans circling if Henson resigns from House

Although GOP leaders in Raleigh have been silent on the cyberstalking charge against state Rep. Cody Henson, two local Republicans named Johnson say they’re eyeing the seat if Henson quits.Henson has been accused of cyberstalking and the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating whether he committed a crime against his estranged wife, Kelsey Henson, Carolina Public Press reported. Last week, after the media reported the criminal summons, the N.C. Democratic Party, Democratic Women of North Carolina and a House Democratic leader called on Henson to resign.“Now that a judge has seen fit, after a hearing on the merits, to grant a permanent restraining order against Rep. Henson, there has been a finding of domestic violence on his part,” House Democratic Whip Rep. Deb Butler said. “There is no place for domestic violence in our society, particularly on the part of an elected official who purports to be a role model for our youth. In my opinion, he should resign.”At the Henderson County Republican Party Convention on Saturday, a Polk County commissioner said he’d look at running if Henson resigns while another Republican declined to rule out a primary challenge if Henson stays.“Let’s just say testing the water,” said Gene Johnson, a 57-year-old attorney who practices in Henderson and Buncombe counties and lives in Polk. “I’m more interested to see what happens with Rep. Henson. I’m not going to step on his toes. I’m just waiting to see what happens. … At this point I’m not ready to say” whether he would challenge Henson in a primary.Jake Johnson, the 24-year-old chairman of the Polk County Board of Commissioners, plans to announce a campaign for Secretary of State. That could change, he said, if Henson’s seat becomes vacant.“I’m getting a lot of calls on it,” said Johnson, who was elected in 2016. “If the seat came open it would be something I would consider.”Last month a judge granted Kelsey Henson a yearlong restraining order against Henson after she filed a complaint that he “will not quit ‘texting’ the plaintiff at all hours of the day.”Henson has declined to comment on the cyberstalking charge, saying it’s a family member he hopes to resolve privately. “Rep. Henson looks forward to addressing this allegation in due course through our judicial system and will not attempt to litigate the matter through the media,” Henson’s attorney, Michael Edney, said in a statement. “Cody will continue to focus his love and energy on his two beautiful children and will continue to represent the people of District 113.”
 * * * * * Carolina Public Press contributed reporting.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Four Seasons Politics

In what could be his last battle, McGrady tackles redistricting, liquor laws

RALEIGH — Glancing over a House calendar, Chuck McGrady pronounced the taking of the annual members’ photo — “it’s always like herding cats” —the most challenging part of the afternoon floor session.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Democrats call for Henson to resign

State Rep. Cody Henson has received a copy of the criminal summons filed by the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, his attorney J. Michael Edney told Carolina Public Press late Thursday.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

A second Democrat announces candidacy for state Senate

Patsy Keever, a retired schoolteacher, former Buncombe County Commissioner and one-term state House member, announced on Thursday that she is running for the 48th N.C. Senate District, setting up a primary next March for the Democratic nomination.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Brantley honored as top assistant manager

Amy Brantley, assistant county manager for Henderson County, has been honored as assistant county manager of the year in North Carolina. The N.C. City and County Management Association presented the award to Brantley during its annual convention on Feb. 7 in Winston-Salem.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Edwards introduces bill for small business health insurance

State Sen. Chuck Edwards joined three other senators on Tuesday to announce a proposal that they said would allow small businesses to cover employees at a lower cost.   Read Story »

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics

Mills River councilman announces state Senate campaign

Mills River Councilman Brian Caskey announced on Monday that he is running for North Carolina’s 48th Senate District, challenging Republican Chuck Edwards.   Read Story »

North Carolina Four Seasons Politics

Legislator served with domestic violence order

State Rep. Cody Henson, R-Transylvania, was served with a domestic violence protection order late last month, records from the Transylvania County Courthouse show.   Read Story »

Four Seasons Politics Archive