Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell has announced he is supporting Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in the District 1 race for County Commission. Bothwell is a small business owner and author who has been on city council since 2009.

“We're lucky to have three highly qualified candidates running for the open seat on the County Commission in District 1. I have known and worked with Jasmine for a dozen years and I am deeply impressed with her capability as a leader and her passion for equity inclusion. As founder of the Progressive Project in 2003 and the Campaign for Southern Equality in 2011, Jasmine has a solid track record of legal and political success,” says Bothwell.

"The first thing we both noticed about Jasmine is that she is an incredible listener. She made us feel comfortable and at ease: We actually didn’t know she owned a cellphone because we never saw her check it. She was always completely engaged in our presence, and we have observed this when she is with others, too. It is a trait that is becoming more scarce, and we think her listening ability will help her transition from an effective social leader to a political leader."

"As the child of a single working mom, she relates to people from all walks of life without any pretense. She has a strong background in working with underserved communities, and we believe this needs to be strengthened with the commissioners."

"As founder and director of the Campaign for Southern Equality, she has demonstrated leadership and fluency in LGBT issues across the Southeast. This experience and her personal story have made her fluent in other issues, such as ending childhood poverty, building healthy communities and shaping economic growth." - Susan McDowell and Adam Griffith

You can read their full letter in the Mountain Xpress here.

Craig White wrote a letter to the Mountain Xpress about why he is supporting Jasmine.

"Jasmine is a leader who really listens: Her whole career has involved seeking out and lifting up the voices of other people — especially people whose voices have been ignored or silenced in the past." - Craig White

Thank you to Mae for voicing her support in the Citizen-Times: 

"Jasmine will listen carefully to public concerns and ensure all voices are heard. She will work hard for a good cause. I’ve never met a more charismatic, honest and humble person. If you want to see a trustworthy person in local government, support Jasmine Beach-Ferrara for County Commissioner." - Mae Creadick