Agenda for this month’s regular meeting of the Weaverville Town Council, scheduled for tonight (Monday, August 16, 2010). Meetings are held in the Community Room at Town Hall (30 South Main Street) beginning at 7 p.m.  This month a Public Hearing precedes the regular meeting at 6:45 p.m.

Public Hearing, 6:45 p.m.
Public Hearing on Amendments to Chapter 36 Zoning Ordinance Article XV Grading

Regular Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
Agenda:

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Public Comment
4. Approval of Minutes of the July 19, 2010, July 15, 2010 and August 9. 2010 Council Meetings 
5. Reappointment of James K. Rogers and Carol Kendall to the Weaverville Tree Board
6. Appointment to the Buncombe County Greenway Commission 
7. Proposed Amendment to Chapter 36 Zoning Ordinance Article XV Grading
8. Subdivision Final Plan Approval for Compass Park Subdivision
9. Subdivision Final Plan Approval for Leisa J. Garrison
10. Manager’s Report
11. Department Reports – Police, Fire, Public Works, Zoning, Tax
12. Adjournment

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

Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act Vote Agreed to (61-39) The Senate passed this bill to provide $16.1 billion to extend increased Medicaid assistance to states and $10 billion in funding for states to create or retain teachers? jobs. The House must vote on the bill next. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Nomination of Elena Kagan, of Massachusetts, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Vote Confirmed (63-37) The Senate confirmed Elena Kagan to be a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. She was sworn in on Saturday. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act – H.R.1586 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill to provide funding for education and Medicaid. The Senate is in recess and is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, September 13. The House is briefly in session this week, before it returns to recess again.

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

Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010 Vote Agreed to (59-39, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill to extend unemployment benefits through November 30, making the extension retroactive to June 2 when the last extension expired. Because it was amended by the Senate, it was sent back to the House for final approval. Sen. Richard Burr voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 Vote Rejected (46-51, 3 Not Voting) The Senate rejected the House?s amendment to this legislation funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and providing for additional funding for foreign aid and disaster assistance. The amendment would have added $22.8 billion in additional domestic spending. The House is expected to approve the bill without the amendment. 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 2010 Vote Passed (271-152, 9 Not Voting) On Thursday, the House passed this bill to extend unemployment benefits through November 30, making the extension retroactive to June 2 when the last extension expired. It was then sent to the president, who signed it the same day. Rep. Heath Shuler voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act – S.3628 The Senate is scheduled to vote on this campaign finance disclosure legislation. Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 – H.R.5297 The Senate may continue work on this bill that aims to expand the availability of credit to small businesses. Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 – H.R.4899 The House is expected to vote on this $58.8 billion bill funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and providing for additional funding for foreign aid and disaster assistance. Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011 – H.R.5822 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill funding military construction projects and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It may also take up another spending bill.

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

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Vote Agreed to (60-39) The Senate passed the final version of the financial regulation reform legislation. The president is expected to sign the bill into law this week. 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

Telework Improvements Act Vote Passed (290-131, 11 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would set standards for federal employees working remotely. It would require the head of each federal agency to establish and implement a policy that would allow employees to work remotely as much as possible without diminishing agency operations or performance. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act Vote Passed (329-90, 13 Not Voting) The House passed this legislation that would reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program through September 2015. The bill heads to the Senate next. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 – H.R.5297 The Senate is scheduled to work on this bill that would establish a lending fund administered by the Treasury Department to invest in financial institutions with the intention of expanding the availability of credit to small businesses. Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act – H.R.4213 The Senate is also expected to vote on this unemployment extension bill. Multiple Peril Insurance Act – H.R.1264 The House is scheduled to vote on this wind and flood insurance bill. Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act – H.R.4213 The House may also vote on this unemployment extension bill if it is first passed by the Senate.

Agenda for this month’s regular meeting of the Weaverville Town Council, scheduled for Monday, July 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. Approval of Agenda
3. Public Comment
4. Approval of Minutes of the June 21, 2010 Council Meetings
5. Proposed Amendment to Chapter 36 Zoning Ordinance Article XV Grading
6. Review of Weaverville’s Independence Day Celebration
7. Update on Main Street Nature Park
8. Manager’s Report
9. Department Reports – Police, Fire, Public Works, Zoning, Tax
10. Closed session 143-318.11 (a) (5)
11. Adjournment

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

Confirmation of Gen. David H. Petraeus to be General Vote Confirmed (99-0) The Senate unanimously confirmed Gen. Petraeus for reappointment to the grade of general and to be commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. 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 Reid Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 Vote Rejected (58-38, 3 Not Voting) The Senate once again rejected the motion to end debate on this latest version of a bill to extend several expired tax provisions and unemployment benefits due to concerns about the federal deficit. The bills future still remains unclear. 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

Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act Vote Passed (409-5, 18 Not Voting) On Tuesday, the House passed this legislation to extend the required closing date for the first-time homebuyer tax credit, allowing individuals who have already entered a contract by April 30 to close on the purchase no later than September 30, 2010. The Senate passed the bill by a voice vote the next day, sending it to the president. The president signed it into law on Friday. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Vote Passed (237-192, 4 Not Voting) The House passed the final version of the financial regulation reform legislation. It now awaits Senate approval. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act Vote Passed (270-153, 10 Not Voting) The House approved this bill to further extend eligibility for extended federal unemployment insurance for laid-off workers through November 30. The bill, which would also make these changes retroactive to June 2, now heads to the Senate, where its future is not clear. Rep. Heath Shuler voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Note: Congress is in recess. The Senate is scheduled to return on Monday, July 12. The House is expected to return on Tuesday, July 13.

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

Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act Vote Passed (99-0, 1 Not Voting) On Thursday, the Senate unanimously approved the conference report to this bill that would impose new sanctions on companies doing business with Iran. The House voted on the conference report later that day. 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 Reid Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 Vote Rejected (57-41, 2 Not Voting) The Senate rejected the motion to end debate on this latest version of a bill to extend several expired tax provisions and unemployment benefits due to concerns about the federal deficit. After failing to agree on how to pay for the bill, Senate Democratic leaders have decided to move on to other legislation, and the bill?s future is unclear. 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

Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act Vote Passed (219-206, 8 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would establish new reporting requirements for corporations, unions and other interest groups for campaign-related activities. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act Vote Passed (408-8, 1 Present, 16 Not Voting) The House approved the conference report to this legislation that would impose new sanctions on companies doing business with Iran, sending it to the White House. The president is expected to sign the bill. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 – H.R.5297 The Senate will start work on this bill that would establish a lending fund administered by the Treasury Department to invest in financial institutions with the intention of expanding the availability of credit to small businesses. Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 – H.R.4173 The House is scheduled to vote on the conference report of this financial regulation reform bill. The Senate may also vote on it later this week. Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 – H.R.4899 The House is likely to vote on this legislation funding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and providing for additional funding for foreign aid and disaster assistance.

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

Motion to Invoke Cloture on Baucus Substitute Amendment; American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 Vote Rejected (56-40, 4 Not Voting) The Senate rejected the motion to end debate and vote on this $118 billion version of the bill to extend tax cuts and unemployment benefits due to concerns about the federal deficit. The Senate is likely to continue its work on the bill this week. 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

Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 Vote Passed (241-182, 9 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would establish a $30 billion lending fund administered by the Treasury Department to invest in financial institutions, like community banks, with the intention of expanding the availability of credit to small businesses. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

American Workers, State and Business Relief Act – H.R.4213 The Senate continues work on this bill to extend certain expired tax provisions and benefits extensions. DISCLOSE Act – H.R.5175 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that aims to impose strict disclosure rules on campaign advertising by corporations, unions and interest groups.

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

Motion to Proceed to Resolution; To overturn an EPA finding on greenhouse gas emissions. Vote Rejected (47-53) The Senate rejected this resolution that would have stripped the EPA of its authority to regulate greenhouse gases. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

FHA Reform Act of 2010 Vote Passed (406-4, 21 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would allow the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to raise premiums for mortgage insurance, with the intent of boosting its dwindling reserves. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio To broaden access to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund Vote Passed (410-0, 1 Present, 20 Not Voting) This legislation would allow the Obama administration to withdraw more money from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund in order to better respond to the Gulf of Mexico oil accident. The Senate approved the bill the previous day by voice vote, and the president is expected to sign it. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

American Workers, State and Business Relief Act – H.R.4213 The Senate continues work on this bill to extend certain expired tax provisions and benefits extensions. Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 – H.R.5297 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that intends to establish a small-business lending fund.

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

Supplemental Appropriations Act Vote Passed (67-28, 5 Not Voting) The Senate passed this $58.8 billion bill providing additional funds for disaster relief and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The House will begin work on its version of the bill after the Memorial Day 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

Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania Amendment; National Defense Authorization Act, FY2011 Vote Agreed to (234-194, 10 Not Voting) During the defense authorization bill debate, the House adopted this amendment that would repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law that prohibits openly gay men and women from serving in the military. The draft of the Senate version of the authorization bill contains a similar provision. Rep. Heath Shuler voted NO……send e-mail or see bio America COMPETES Reauthorization Act – Vote Passed (262-150, 20 Not Voting) This $85.6 billion bill would authorize a variety of science research programs over the next five years. The timetable for Senate action is unclear. Rep. Heath Shuler voted Not Voting……send e-mail or see bio National Defense Authorization Act, FY2011 – Vote Passed (229-186, 17 Not Voting) The House passed this $760 billion bill authorizing defense spending for the upcoming fiscal year. The Senate could take up its version of the bill sometime during the summer. Rep. Heath Shuler voted Not Voting……send e-mail or see bio Note: The Senate is in recess until Monday, June 7. The House is in recess until Tuesday June 8.

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

Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Vote Passed (59-39, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that would overhaul the nation’s financial regulatory system. The bill must now be reconciled with the House version. 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

Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass; America COMPETES Reauthorization Act Vote Failed (261-148, 22 Not Voting) The House fell short of the 273 votes needed under suspension rules to pass this bill that would reauthorize science research programs. Republicans argue too many of the $48 billion bill?s programs are duplicative while Democrats argue the bill will increase economic competitiveness. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Supplemental Appropriations bill – H.R.4899 The Senate is expected to spend most of the week working on this supplemental spending bill. American Workers, State and Business Relief Act – H.R.4213 The House is scheduled to take up this bill to extend certain tax cuts and benefits extensions that are set to expire soon. Defense Authorization Act, FY2011 – H.R.5136 The House is also scheduled to work on this $760 billion measure authorizing defense spending for the upcoming fiscal year. America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 - The House may also vote for the third time on this bill that would reauthorize science research 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

McCain Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Vote Rejected (43-56, 1 Not Voting) The Senate rejected this amendment to the financial reform bill that would have established a time frame for ending the government’s support of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Senate continues work on the bill this week. Sen. Richard Burr voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Sen. Kay Hagan voted NO……send e-mail or see bio Durbin Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Vote Agreed to (64-33, 3 Not Voting) The Senate adopted this amendment to the financial reform bill that would require the Federal Reserve to establish rules for “reasonable and proportional” fees that credit card networks, such as Visa and Mastercard, charge to merchants. The Senate continues work on the bill this week. 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

Motion to Recommit; America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 Vote Passed (292-126, 12 Not Voting) The House voted to send this bill that would reauthorize science and technology research programs back to the House Science committee with instructions to freeze funding at fiscal 2010 levels and to only fund the bill for three years, rather than the original five. House leaders are planning to bring the measure to a vote again this week. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 – S.3217 The Senate is expected to complete its work on the financial reform legislation this week. The American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act – H.R.4213 The House is scheduled to work on this bill that would extend unemployment insurance and COBRA health care subsidies through December 31 and would prevent a cut in physicians’ Medicare reimbursement rates. America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 – H.R.5116 The House is scheduled to vote again on this bill to reauthorize science and technology research programs.

Agenda for the May 18, 2010 Buncombe County Commissioners meeting is online here. 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 County Government Channel 2.

Looks like the bulk of this meeting’s discussion will center around the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget. Documents included under that agenda item:

• Budget Message
• Power Point  Presentation
• Annual Operating Budget Estimate
• State of the County Report (May 2010)
• 2009-10 Strategic Plan

Also note the next meeting of the Board will include a public hearing on the budget. That meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2010, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Agenda for this month’s regular meeting of the Weaverville Town Council, scheduled for Monday, May 17, 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. Approval of Agenda
3. Public Comment
4. Approval of Minutes of the April 19th, 2010 Council Meetings.
5. Buncombe County Greenway Commission Report – Jill Brittin
6. Discussion of Establishing a Dog Park in Weaverville
7. Discussion of Amending Chapter 25 (Subdivision) of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Weaverville
8. Discussion of a resubdivision of Six Lots for Rabbit Ridge Properties LLC.
9. Discussion of Central Avenue Extension
10. Manager’s Report
11. Department Reports: Police, Fire, Public Works, Zoning, Tax
12. Adjournment

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

Shelby-Dodd Amendment; Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Vote Agreed to (93-5, 2 Not Voting) The Senate voted to remove a part of the financial reform bill that would have created a $50 billion fund for the FDIC to cover the cost of liquidating failing financial companies. The Senate voted on several other amendments, and will continue its work on the bill this week. 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

Home Star Energy Retrofit Act Vote Passed (246-161, 23 Not Voting) The House passed this measure that would authorize a $6.6 billion rebate program for energy-efficient home renovations for households with incomes up to $250,000. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 – S.3217 The Senate will continue its work on this financial regulatory overhaul legislation. America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 – H.R.5116 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill to reauthorize science and technology research programs.

The unofficial vote tally for yesterday’s Mixed Beverage (Liquor By the Drink) Election. Nearly 68% of voters approved the measure. Numbers are from the Buncombe County Board of Elections:

Precinct	For	Against	Total
58.1 (North Buncombe Middle School)	10	2	12
59.1 (Reems Creek Fire Dept)	41	18	59
67.1 (Town Hall)	447	238	685
71.1 (Woodland Hills Baptist Church)	6	3	9
One Stop/Early Voting	60	8	68
Absentee By Mail	0	0	0
Provisional	0	0	0
Transer	0	0	0
Total	564	269	833

So the question now is: what comes next?

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

Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 – Vote Rejected (56-42, 2 Not Voting) The Senate failed for a third time last week to approve this procedural motion and begin floor debate on this legislation to overhaul financial regulations. However, it appears the Senate will proceed to floor debate this week and begin voting on amendments to 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

IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010 – Vote Passed (417-3, 10 Not Voting) The House overwhelmingly passed this measure that would require the Defense Department to develop a system with specific metrics, including targeted schedules and cost objectives, for the acquisition of weapons, information technology and services. It would also direct Defense Department officials to set up a system by 2017 to reward organizations that meet objectives and penalize those that do not. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Puerto Rico Democracy Act – Vote Passed (223-169, 1 Present, 37 Not Voting) The House approved this bill to establish a two-stage process to determine Puerto Rico’s political status. The first step would be a referendum on the question of whether to maintain or change Puerto Rico’s current status as a commonwealth. If a majority of Puerto Ricans were to vote for a new status, then a second vote would be held to ask residents whether they favor statehood, full independence, independence with a special political association with the United States, or to retain the current commonwealth status. The legislation goes to the Senate. Rep. Heath Shuler voted Not Voting< /b>……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 – S.3217 The Senate will continue its work on this financial regulatory overhaul legislation. Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 – H.R.5019 The House is scheduled to vote on this bill that would provide benefits for home energy efficiency retrofits.

Primary Election is Tuesday, May 4, 2010.  Of interest to many Weaverville residents is the Mixed Beverage referendum, also known as “liquor by the drink”. 3 years ago when this came up for a vote in Weaverville it lost by 2 votes (or 3, depending on who’s reporting).  Many in the community believe it will pass easily, but I’ve seen these measures fail time and again around WNC (admittedly less so lately), so I’m not so certain.  Only Weaverville residents can vote, and if it does pass, only those businesses located within town limits will be able to sell mixed drinks.

Other races on the primary ballot, depending on your affliation, include United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, North Carolina Senate, Buncombe County Sheriff, Court of Appeals and Superior Court Judges.   Unaffliated voters may choose whether to vote on a Republican, Democrat, or Non-Partisan ballot.  You can use the online voter lookup to find out where to vote and download a sample ballot.  Here’s more resources:

• 2010 Judicial Voter Guide (pdf)
• Mountain Xpress Voter Guide
• Buncombe County Election Services
• State Board of Elections
• Election Results
• Buncombe County Democratic Party
• Buncombe County Republican Party

Of course the big news from this past weekend was all about the Obamas vacationing in Asheville.  I wasn’t out and about much this weekend, but did keep up-to-date on the comings and goings of the President and First Lady through other local media outlets (lots of good reports on the Ashvegas blog if you’re interested).  Though they didn’t make it to Weaverville for the Art Safari, according to this Citizen-Times article and Karen Chavez’s Girls Gone Outdoors blog, a Friday afternoon hike along the Mountains To Sea Trail began at Ox Creek Road (about 5 miles from downtown, off Reems Creek Road). A photo from that hike was also the April 23 White House Photo of the Day.

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

Tax Extenders Act of 2009 Vote Passed (62-36, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill that would extend unemployment insurance and COBRA health care subsidies through December 31 and would prevent a cut in physicians? Medicare reimbursement rates. The bill now goes to the House. 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

Impeaching Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. for high crimes and misdemeanors Vote Passed (423-0, 7 Not Voting) The House impeached Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. of Louisiana with four charges: that he accepted gifts in exchange for official actions, falsified and withheld information during a bankruptcy proceeding, made false statements as part of his Senate confirmation and received money from lawyers involved in a case that he oversaw. Unless the judge resigns, the Senate will hold a trial. A conviction on any of the four counts would remove Judge Porteous from office. Rep. Heath Shuler voted YES……send e-mail or see bio Afghanistan War Powers Resolution Vote Failed (65-356, 9 Not Voting) The House rejected this resolution that aimed to set a withdrawal timeline for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Rep. Heath Shuler voted NO……send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act – H.R.2847 The Senate is scheduled to work on this job creation bill, which would provide tax relief to businesses hiring unemployed workers. FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act – H.R.1586 The Senate is likely to vote on this measure to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration through FY 2011 and expedite transition to a new air traffic control system. FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act – H.R.1586 The House is expected to vote on this aviation bill if the Senate sends it to the House this week. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – H.R.3590 The House may take up the Senate-passed health care overhaul bill. Work on the bill could continue into the weekend.

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.