SKYLAND — Chris Gaubatz, undercover agent in the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas and author of the book “Muslim Mafia” (telling of that experience), described on Feb. 12 the threat to this nation’s future posed by jihadis workng slyly to impose Islam’s Sharia law throughout the United States — and those in the U.S. government who cooperate with them.

His talk, which drew about 60 people to the Skyland Fire Department, was hosted by the Asheville Tea Party. On the following night, about 55 people were scheduled to hear him at a repeat of the address in Hendersonville.

Afterward, he fielded questions and ended the session with a book-signing. His book was available for sale at the meeting.

ATP Chair Jane Bilello, who introduced Gaubatz, began the meeting by noting that “we are the Asheville Tea Party and we also are a state and federal PAC (political action committee).” She said the ATP has “almost 1,500 subscribers on our newsletter list.”

Next, Bilello thanked the Buncombe County Republican Women’s Club for the snacks and refreshments served before the meeting.

Bilello triggered applause when she added, “We were one of the 100 tea parties across the country that stood firm” — and won — in a dispute with the IRS over their tax-exempt status.

“The ‘looney tunes’ (radical leftists) were running after us,” during the (Brett) Kavanaugh proceedings,” which she attended. “It was just awful to see how they behaved.”

Next, she noted, “We actually had a conference call recently with President (Donald) Trump,” regarding his support for the wall along the United States’ border with Mexico.

Speaking in general terms, Bilello quoted Edmund Burke’s famous saying, “The only thing evil needs to succeed is for good men and women to do nothing.”

Asheville’s new City Manager Debra Campbell shared her goals and aspirations for the city — and said her job is to “collaborate” rather than to be “a mover and a shaker” — during a Feb. 1 meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. About 60 people attended.

Also making presentations were state Sen. Chuck Edwards, R-Hendersonville, with a state legislative update; and UNCA’s new Chancellor Nancy J. Cable, who unveiled her vision for the university.

Prior to the speeches, CIBO chief Buzzy Cannaday, who served as moderator, recognized the elected guests — or their representatives — who were present, including Edwards, Asheville Mayor Ether Manheimer, Buncombe County commissioners Amanda Edwards and Al Whitesides, Black Mountain Alderman Larry Harris, Robin Ramsey representing U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-Winston-Salem; and former Buncombe County Republican Party chairman Henry Mitchell, representing U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Highlands.

Manheimer, who frequently addresses CIBO, introduced Campbell, who, she said, was hired as Asheville’s city manager in December 2018. Previously, Campbell was an assistant city manager for Charlotte.

She has more than 30 years experience in government work, Manheimer said of Campbell. “She hails from Chattanooga, Tenn.” Prior to leaving Charlotte, Campbell recently was “ranked one of the 50 most influential women in Mecklenburg County. You can see why she was an attractive candidate to us.”

The CIBO members and guests applauded enthusiastically as Campbell smiled out at them and then said, “Thank you all for inviting me. What I’d like to say is, thank you, (city) council, thank you, community, for the warm welcome you have provided for me.”