Opinion

LIGHTNING EDITORIAL: Beware the zeal for regulatory repeal

By Bill Moss, Published: November 16, 2013

It has been clear for eight weeks that Hendersonville would experience a "change election" on Nov. 5.

Barring an unprecedented meltdown, Jeff Miller, the lifelong Hendersonville resident, well-known founder of HonorAir and past candidate for Congress, would win a seat on the City Council. Miller's experience, record of helping his hometown and name recognition propelled him in the election. His promise to listen to business owners disgruntled with city regulations helped him raise $17,000, an eye-popping figure in a city election.
But just how big a change hung in the balance.
Miller's coattails weren't enough to vault Councilman Ron Stephens into the mayor's seat in his second try for the top job. Stephens' criticism of Mayor Barbara Volk over spending that he too had voted for rang hollow with voters, who returned Volk to the mayor's office by a 20-point margin.
But change we shall have, because Stephens remains on the council and incumbent Steve Caraker has already signaled his support of Stephens and Miller. (Caraker and Stephens have lost a couple of 3-2 votes; Caraker donated $200 to both Stephens and Miller and he attended Miller's victory party on election night.