MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s last week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Temporary Extension Act of 2010 Vote Passed (78-19, 3 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that provides short-term extensions of a number of programs that expired February 28, including unemployment benefits and federal health care subsidies for jobless workers. The bill was quickly signed by the President. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act Vote Passed (262-153, 16 Not Voting) The House passed this legislation that would establish the first federal safety standards on seclusion and restraint in schools, allowing for restraints in cases when there is immediate danger to the student or others. The bill now heads to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act Vote Passed (217-201, 14 Not Voting) The House approved this bill that would provide $13 billion in payroll tax relief over 10 years for employers who hire unemployed workers and extend through 2010 a law that allows small businesses to deduct up to $250,000 in qualified expenses. The bill goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Tax Extenders Act of 2009 – H.R.4213 The Senate is expected to continue work on this legislation to extend expired tax provisions as well as other programs, including unemployment insurance, flood insurance and COBRA health care subsidies. Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act – H.R.2847 The Senate may also vote on this job creation bill, which would provide tax relief to businesses hiring unemployed workers. Afghanistan War Powers Resolution – H.Con.Res.248 The House is scheduled to take up this resolution that would set a timeline for withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan. Impeaching Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. for high crimes and misdemeanors – H.Res.1031 The House is also expected to vote on the impeachment of Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s last week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Debt Limit Extension; Thune Amdt. to terminate TARP Vote Rejected (53-45, 2 Not Voting) The Senate rejected this amendment to end the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The bill itself would raise the federal debt limit to $13.029 trillion. It is still being debated on the Senate floor. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted Not Voting……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Debt Limit Extension – H.J.Res.45 The Senate will continue debate on this bill to raise the federal debt limit. Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act – H.R.4474 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that would authorize the continued use of water facilities located on National Forest System land in north central Idaho. Castle Nugent National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2010 – H.R.3726 The House is also expected to vote on this bill that would establish the Castle Nugent national historic site in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Agenda for this month’s regular meeting of the Weaverville Town Council, which had been re-scheduled from last Monday to this Monday, January 25, 2010. Meetings are held in the Community Room at Town Hall (30 South Main Street) and begin at 7 p.m.

1. Call to Order.
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Public Comment
4. Approval of Minutes of the December 21, 2009 Council Meeting.
5. Resolution in Support of Dr. Alicia Hulse as National Wildlife Federation Volunteer of the Year for 2009.
6. Review of the FY 2008-2009 Audit.
7. Tree Board Report for 2009.
8. Comprehensive Tree Plan.
9. Discussion of Weaverville Tailgate Market.
10. Discussion of Road System in Reems Creek Village.
11. Resolution Authorizing the Buncombe County Board of Elections to Hold an Alcoholic Beverage Election for the Town of Weaverville.
12. Privilege License Fees for Internet Sweepstakes.
13. Discussion of Suggested Amendments to Chapter 10 Article III (Smoking in Public Places) of the Weaverville Code of Ordinances.
14. Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Contract Agreements to Purchase PIN # 9742-45-6137 on Reems Creek Road for the Purpose of Establishing a Weaverville Fire Department Substation.
15. Discussion of Amending the Weaverville Subdivision Ordinance Concerning Minor Subdivisions.
16. Discussion of Upcoming Equipment and Personnel Need to Meet Annexation Requirements.
17. Discussion of 2010-2011 Annual Budget Schedule.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s last week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Vote Passed (60-39, 1 Not Voting) The Senate passed this $871 billion health care bill. The House and Senate must now work out the differences between their versions of the bill in conference. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio To permit continued financing of Government operations Vote Passed (60-39, 1 Not Voting) The Senate passed this legislation to raise the federal debt limit to $12.39 trillion. The bill has been sent to the President. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Note: Congress is currently in recess. The House is expected to reconvene on January 12, and the Senate will likely return on January 20.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s last week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Agreed to (88-10, 2 Not Voting) The Senate gave final approval to this bill funding the Department of Defense through September 2010. The bill now goes to the President. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Cloture Motion; Reid Amdt. to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Vote Agreed to (60-40) The Senate agreed to this motion to invoke cloture on an amendment making changes to the $871 billion health care bill. The vote allows debate to proceed and prevents a filibuster. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (395-34, 5 Not Voting) The House approved this defense spending bill, sending it to the Senate for final passage. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Jobs for Main Street Act Vote Passed (217-212, 6 Not Voting) The House passed this $154 billion jobs bill which is partially paid for by unspent money from last year’s Troubled Asset Relief Program. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – H.R.3590 The Senate is expected to continue working on this health care reform legislation.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s last week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Amendment to clarify coverage for preventive services for women Vote Agreed to (61-39) The Senate adopted this amendment to the health care reform bill, which aims to guarantee that women of all ages receive an annual women’s health exam at no cost. The Senate is still debating this bill. small;”>NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009 Vote Passed (225-200, 9 Not Voting) The House approved this legislation that would lower the maximum rate of estate and gift taxes to 45% after 2009. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – H.R.3590 The Senate is expected to continue working on this health care reform legislation. Tax Extenders of 2009 – H.R.___ The House is scheduled to work on this bill intended to provide individuals and businesses with about $30 billion in tax relief. Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 – H.R.4173 The House is also expected to take up this legislation that would reform financial regulations.

Agenda for the December 1, 2009 Buncombe County Commissioners meeting is online at www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/ArchivedAgenda/20091201/20091201.htm. Commission meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville beginning at 4:30 p.m. They are also televised and can be seen online and on the County Government Channel 2.

Catching up after the holiday. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

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MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s last week’s edition for our district

Recent Senate Votes

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (100-0) he Senate unanimously passed this $133.9 billion bill funding military construction projects and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate and House will now go to conference to work out differences between their versions of the bill. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 Vote Passed (98-0, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill intended to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans and to improve veterans? health care. It now goes to the House. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed; Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 Vote Agreed to (60-39, 1 Not Voting) The Senate voted to proceed to debate on this bill, which is being used as the vehicle for health care reform legislation. The Senate will begin debate following the Thanksgiving recess. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 Vote Passed (395-31, 8 Not Voting) The House approved this legislation that would reauthorize FEMA?s Assistance to Firefighters grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program through FY2014. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 Vote Passed (243-183, 8 Not Voting) The House passed this bill to change the formula that determines the Medicare physician fee schedule, with the intention of preventing a 21 percent reduction in Medicare payments to physicians. It now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for our district

Recent Senate Votes

Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 Vote Passed (98-0, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that would extend unemployment benefits in states with a jobless rate over 8.5% and tax credits for some homebuyers and businesses. The bill was sent back to the House for final approval. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (71-28, 1 Not Voting) The Senate completed its work on this $64.9 billion legislation funding the Justice Department, Commerce Department, National Science Foundation and related agencies and programs. The House and Senate will now go to conference to work out differences between their versions of the bill. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act of 2009 Vote Passed (331-92, 9 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would move the date credit card companies would have to comply with new credit card regulations from February 22, 2010 to December 1, 2009. The Senate has a similar bill, though it is unclear whether it will take action on either bill. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 Vote Passed (403-12, 18 Not Voting) The House gave final approval to this bill extending unemployment benefits and tax credits for some homebuyers and businesses, sending it to the President. The President signed it on Friday. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 Vote Passed (230-193, 11 Not Voting) The House passed this bill intended to bolster security at chemical plants. It now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Affordable Health Care for America Act Vote Passed (220-215) On Saturday the House approved this health care reform bill by a slim margin. The Senate is expected to begin work on its own health care reform bill soon. Rep. Heath Shuler voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3082 The Senate is scheduled to start work on this $133.9 billion bill funding military construction projects and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Note: Congress will be on a short recess for Veterans Day starting no later than Wednesday, November 11. Both chambers are expected to reassemble on Monday, November 16.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for our district

Recent Senate Votes

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Agreed to (80-17, 3 Not Voting) The Senate approved this $33.5 billion bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs for FY 2010, sending it to the President. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (307-114, 11 Not Voting) The House approved the conference report of this $42.8 billion bill funding the Department of Homeland Security. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act Vote Passed (241-173, 18 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that is intended to help address California?s cycles of drought and reduce dependence on water from the troubled Bay-Delta ecosystem. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.2847 The Senate is expected to work on this $64.9 billion legislation funding the Justice Department, Commerce Department, National Science Foundation and related agencies and programs. Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009 – S.1776 The Senate is also expected to start work on this bill that would repeal the Medicare physician payment formula that results in annual cuts that Congress reverses every year. Solar Technology Roadmap Act of 2010 – H.R.3585 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that intends to guide research, development, and demonstration of solar energy technologies. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 – H.R.3619 The House is expected to vote on this bill to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2010.

Agenda for this month’s regular meeting of the Weaverville Town Council, scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2009. Meetings are held in the Community Room at Town Hall (30 South Main Street) beginning at 7 p.m.

1. Call to Order.
2. Public Comment.
3. Approval of Minutes of the September 10, 21, and October 8, 2009 Meeting.
4. Discussion of a Resolution to Annex the areas Known As Aiken Road Area, Stoney Brook, Blueberry and Highlander Section of Woodland Hills.
5. Proposed Amendments to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
6. Resolution To Support and Participate in Regional Collaboration of County and Ciy Governments to Address Regional Fuel Planning Thought the US Department of  Energy’s Local Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP) Initiative.
7. Resolution Requesting Final Decision and Construction of the I-26 Connector.
8. Discussion of Adding Veterans Day November 11, 2009 as an Official Town Holidays.
9. Manager’s Report
10. Department Reports: Police, Fire, Public Works, Zoning, Tax

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for our district

Recent Senate Votes

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (93-7) The Senate approved this $636.3 billion bill funding the Department of Defense during fiscal year 2010. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (263-162, 7 Not Voting) The House approved the conference report of this $23.3 billion funding bill for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and other related agencies and programs. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Department of Defense Authorization, FY 2010 Vote Passed (281-146, 6 Not Voting) The House passed this bill authorizing defense spending, which also contains a provision that extends the definition of federal hate crimes to include crimes in which victims are targeted because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Rep. Heath Shuler voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.2847 The Senate is expected to conclude work on this $64.9 billion legislation funding the Justice Department, Commerce Department, National Science Foundation and related agencies and programs. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3183 The Senate is also expected to approve this $33.5 billion bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs for FY 2010. Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act of 2009 – H.R.2442 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that is intended to help address California?s cycles of drought and reduce dependence on water from the troubled Bay-Delta ecosystem. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.2892 The House is expected to vote on the conference report of this $42.8 billion bill funding the Department of Homeland Security.

Here’s your chance to meet and ask questions of the 2009 candidates for Weaverville Mayor and Town Council. They’re holding a open house Saturday, October 17, 2009 at The Secret Garden (56 North Main Street). Info:

MEET THE CANDIDATES
On Tuesday, November, 2009, Weaverville will elect a new Mayor and two Council Members.  Although Al Root (Mayoral candidate), Dottie Sherrill (Council incumbent) and Doug Dearth (Council candidate) are running unopposed, they are eager to meet and engage with voters.

To this end, Al, Dottie and Doug will host an Open House on Saturday, October 17, 4-6 p.m., at the Secret Garden on Main Street.  They invite all Weaverville residents and business owners to attend.

Please note that parking will not be available on the Secret Garden property.

Refreshments will be served.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Agreed to (62-38) The Senate approved this $4.66 billion bill that funds the legislative branch for Fiscal Year 2010, sending it to the President. The bill also includes a continuing resolution to fund government operations through October 31, as this is the only one of the 12 annual appropriations bills to have been completed before FY 2010 began. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (308-114, 10 Not Voting) The House approved this $33.5 billion bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3326 The Senate is expected to conclude work on this $636.3 billion bill funding the Department of Defense during fiscal year 2010. Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.2847 The Senate is scheduled to start work on this $64.9 billion legislation funding the Justice Department, Commerce Department, National Science Foundation and related agencies and programs. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3183 The Senate is also expected to approve this $33.5 billion bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs for FY 2010. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.2997 The House is expected to vote on the conference report of this $23.3 billion funding bill for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and other related agencies and programs. Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act of 2009 – H.R.2442 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that is intended to help address California’s cycles of drought and reduce dependence on water from the troubled Bay-Delta ecosystem.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (77-21, 1 Not Voting) The Senate approved this $32.1 billion bill funding the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency and related programs for the next fiscal year. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 Vote Passed (331-83, 18 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would extend by 13 weeks unemployment benefits in states with a jobless rate over 8.5%. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (217-190, 25 Not Voting) The House approved this $4.66 billion bill that funds the legislative branch for Fiscal Year 2010. The bill also includes a continuing resolution to fund government operations after the current fiscal year ends on September 30, as this is the only one of the 12 annual appropriations bills to have been completed. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3326 The Senate is scheduled to work on this $636 billion bill funding the Department of Defense for the next fiscal year. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3183 The House is expected to vote on the conference report of this $34 billion bill funding the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers and related agencies and programs.

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Vote Passed (73-25, 1 Not Voting) The Senate approved this $122 billion bill funding transportation and housing programs for the next fiscal year. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Raising a question of the privileges of the House Vote Passed (240-179, 5 Present, 10 Not Voting) The House rebuked Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting “You lie” during President Obama’s healthcare address to a joint session of Congress. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Advanced Vehicle Technology Act Vote Passed (312-114, 7 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would permit the Energy Department to spend $200 million per year more than it currently spends on programs for the research, development, demonstration and commercial application of new vehicle technologies. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 Vote Passed (253-171, 10 Not Voting) This House bill would terminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program and replace it with the Education Department’s Direct Lending program, as well as increase funding of Pell Grants and increase the annual grant maximum to $5500 in 2010. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.2996 The Senate is scheduled to continue work on this $32.1 billion bill funding the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency and related programs for the next fiscal year. Continuing Resolution – H.J.Res. The House is scheduled to vote on this continuing resolution to fund government operations after the current fiscal year ends on September 30. None of the 12 annual appropriations bills have been completed. Unemployment Compensation Extension Act – H.R.3548 This bill would extend by 13 weeks unemployment benefits in states with jobless rates over 8.5%.

Agenda for this month’s regular meeting of the Weaverville Town Council, scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2009. Meetings are held in the Community Room at Town Hall (30 South Main Street) beginning at 7 p.m.  A Council Workshop will also be held beginning at 5 p.m. at the Fire Department (3 Monticello Road). I’m of the understanding that Buncombe County Commissioners will be participating in today’s workshop with Town Council members, though the Town website doesn’t reflect this.

Weaverville Council Workshop, Fire Department, 5 p.m.

Regular Council Meeting, Town Hall, 7 p.m.

1. Call to Order.
2. Public Comment.
3. Approval of Minutes of the August 17, 2009 Meeting.
4. Reappointment of Jacob Lyons to the Weaverville ABC Board.
5. Update from the Weaverville Wildlife Habitat Project.
6. Proposed Amendments to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
7. Agreement Between the Town of Weaverville and the Weaverville ABC Board for Law Enforcement Services.
8. Manager’s Report
9. Department Reports: Police, Fire, Public Works, Zoning, Tax

MegaVote is a service provided by Congress.org as a means of tracking the most recent and upcoming votes of our elected Congressional officials.  This information is provided via e-mail on a weekly basis when Congress is in session.  Here’s this week’s edition for our district:

Recent Senate Votes

Travel Promotion Act of 2009 Vote Passed (79-19, 1 Not Voting) This Senate bill would promote travel in the United States and includes a provision to create a nonprofit corporation intended to encourage tourism from abroad. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act Vote Passed (311-107, 15 Not Voting) The House approved this bill that would permanently authorize funding for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 – H.R.3288 The Senate is scheduled to continue work on this $122 billion bill funding transportation and housing programs for the next fiscal year. Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 – H.R.3246 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill to create an Energy Department program for the research, development, demonstration and commercial application of vehicle technologies. Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 – H.R.3221 The House is also scheduled to vote on this higher education bill that intends to fully fund maximum Pell Grants amounts, would simplify student financial aid forms, and would terminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program and replace it with the Education Department’s Direct Lending program./span>

The agenda for today’s (Tuesday, September 15, 2009) Buncombe County Commissioners meeting is online at http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/ArchivedAgenda/20090915/20090915.htm

Commission Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville beginning at 4:30 p.m. They are also televised and can be seen online and on the County Government Channel 2.

The agenda for the Tuesday, September 1, 2009 Buncombe County Commissioners meeting is online at http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/ArchivedAgenda/20090901/20090901.htm.

Commission Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville beginning at 4:30 p.m. They are also televised and can be seen online and on the County Government Channel 2.

At this month’s regular Town Council meeting, John Young used the public comment period to withdraw his name from candidacy for town council.  There was a question as to whether his name would still appear on the November ballot, but the latest candidate list (a pdf file) from the Buncombe County Board of Elections shows he is officially no longer listed as a candidate.  That means we have two Town Council candidates, Dottie Sherrill and Doug Dearth, running for two Town Council seats.  Quite a change from the last election, when 9 people were vying for 3 seats.

Al Root is also the sole candidate for Mayor.

It makes me wonder – if not one person showed up to vote, would the candidates still win? (Let’s not find out. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2009)