Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Patsy is a wife, mother and grandmother who  was born and raised in Charlotte, graduated from Duke University and has lived in Asheville for nearly 40 years. During those 40 years in Buncombe County, she has been an active member of this community through her church and service on numerous boards and task forces dealing with race, criminal justice, health, economic growth, and education. She served as a Buncombe County commissioner for 12 years and taught in the public school system for 25 years. 

As a commissioner and teacher, Patsy  worked with families as they faced  challenges from teenage pregnancy, mental illness issues, lack of adequate childcare, loss of jobs and drug addictions,  to name a few. Her campaign slogan is "putting people first" because she knows that we all need help -- and sometimes that help and protection must come from the government. If we expect everyone to contribute to society, we need to provide resources to help people when times are tough.

After her third term on the county commission and the death of her husband John, she decided to run for the US Congress against Charles Taylor. Her campaign inspired political activism of a new kind in the region. People began to believe that change was possible.                       

Since that Congressional race Patsy has married Jim Aycock, former publisher of the Black Mountain News. She has also participated in a triathlon, enjoyed her three grandchildren and two step grandchildren, planted a vegetable garden, and chaired the 2009 annual Asheville Buncombe CROP Walk. 

As a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and community leader, Patsy continues to believe in putting people first.

Protect our natural environment. Patsy supports statewide steep slope legislation to protect our mountains and the people who live here. In addition, she will work to foster the wellbeing of our rivers and wetlands to ensure the long-term viability of these vital resources. 

Ensure health care for everyone. Patsy believes health care is a right rather than a privilege. What's more, children who have the care they need to be healthy are likely to become healthy adults, citizens who are much better prepared to be contributing members of our community. 

Strengthen our public schools. Patsy will work to ensure everyone an equal opportunity to a public education at every level, thereby creating a well-informed citizenry more willing and able to play an active role in the affairs of our community. 

Create more green jobs. Patsy will seek out and support sustainable development that will encourage a new green economy and additional jobs for the people of western North Carolina.