An almost-standing-room-only crowd of about 75 people attended, including candidates, elected officials who are not running for office, club members and their guests

(Regarding the relevance of the Henderson County Republican Party, AI Overview noted on Feb. 15 that it “holds significant influence as a major anchor of conservative politics in Western North Carolina. As one of the most heavily concentrated Republican counties in the region, with over 30,000 GOP voters as of 2016, it serves as a crucial base for state and federal Republican campaigns.”)

HCRMC President Bill Fishburne announced that  the club was honored by the presence of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, who was the highest-ranking candidate at the meeting, so he would be allowed to speak first.

(Edwards is being challenged in the primary by Adam R. Smith, a Republican from the Fairview area, who did not attend the HCRMC meeting. On the Democratic side, the candidates include Zelda Briarwood, Jamie Ager, Lee Whipple, Paul Maddox and Richard Hudspeth.)

 Edwards, who began his 12-minute speech by wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day, said, “I was asked to give a legislative update,” but “I’d also like to talk about some of the great things that have occurred since President (Donald) Trump took over” 13 months ago.

“I’m especially proud that we passed the SAVE America Act this week,” Edwards said of the measure designed to reduce voter fraud, triggering enthused applause from the crowd. “Nothing could be more important to make sure our elections are made more secure.”

Another measure he said he is “proud of” is the soon-to-be-proposed “Make Elections Great Again Act... It requires states to use paper ballots. ..Ballot-harvesting is not allowed in it....

“I’ve also been working on the Equal Representation Act… It would require that we reapportion districts off of ‘U.S. citizens’ — not just population,” thereby excluding illegal aliens. The crowd cheeered and applauded Edwards’ announcement.

With a smile, Edwards then added that the aforementioned act “could change representation in about 15 districts,” nationwide. The crowd responded with yet more applause.

Then the congressman asserted that, in addition to his strong support of Trump’s agenda, “I’ve helped actually deliver on results.”

He added, “My candidacy is endorsed by the National Rifle Association,” where he noted that he has received an “A” rating from the organization for his support of the Second Amendment.

Edwards also said he earned an “A-plus” rating from the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America foundation, noting that it reflects his strong, consistent and pro-life record in Congress. (He received an A-plus for his service in both the 119th Congress {2025–2026} and the 118th Congress {2023–2024}). 

Edwards also pointed out that the Land of Sky Regional Council named him a Hurricane Helene Recovery Champion in recognition of his leadership and sustained efforts to support WNC communities following the storm.

The congressman then said he stands for border security, law and order, public safety and national security, noting that the largest law enforcement in the state —  the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association — has endorsed his re-election bid.

Also, the N.C. Values Coalition, which he termed “the leading conservative Christian” group in the state, has endorsed him.

In addition, Edwards said U.S Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a prominent conservative leader and former candidate for Speaker of the House, has endorsed him.

 With a note of pride, Edwards reiterated that “I could tell you I support President Trump’s agenda… but, in his own words, Trump said (on Oct. 25):

“Congressman Chuck Edwards is a MAGA Warrior who is doing a fantastic job representing North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District! A proud Businessman, Civic Leader, and Highly Respected State Senator, prior to becoming a very distinguished U.S. Congressman, Chuck has dedicated his life to serving his Community. In Congress, he is working tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advance Election Integrity, Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Chuck Edwards has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Following Edwards’ speech, he received a standing ovation from more than a third of the HCRMC crowd,while most of the others remained seated but clapped and cheered. 

During a brief question-and answer period after Edwards’ speech, he was asked why the congressman had visited Ukraine recently.

In response, Edwards said, “I spent eight days and nights over there... Bombs were falling over my head... I came back realizing there is an evil in this world that absolutely must be stopped... There are things that we should be doing at this point — there are a number of steep sanctions we still could put on Russia.”

After recognizing the other candidates at the meeting, Fisburne called on Steve Wyatt and Rudd Orr, rivals for Bill Lapsley’s District 3 seat on the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, to step to the lectern and make their cases. (Lapsley has announced that he will not run for re-election)

Wyatt spoke first —said, “Rebecca McCall noted that being a candidate is a full-time job — and she was right about that. I agree. I feel called to do it (run for the commissioners’ job). I feel, at this time, I have the ability and the responsibility to run… America is under attack... I’m a mountain boy. We sit here, surrounded by mountains, and we think this is ‘God’s country’... Don’t think it can’t happen here. In my time, I’ve seen what’s happened in Asheville. I’ve seen what’s happened in Buncombe County… Henderson County is no longer deep-red. It’s lighter... As Chuck Edwards said: ‘Faith, family, freedom.’”

Continuing, Wyatt, a 15-year Henderson County manager (from March 2006 until his retirement in 2021), said, “So what I pledge to you… I’ll listen to you. Does anyone remember Mr. Charlie Messer? He said, Steve, everybody in that room heard the people — but you listened.”

An unidentified woman asked, “What about the new apartments and housing” that, she contended, are being overbuilt around Henderson County?

“Developments like that drain the system more than they put back into it,” Wyatt replied. “It’s something that absolutely must be addressed. On the local level, we need to make wise decisions....”

Next, Orr noted that he is a member of a multigenerational Henderson County family in Mills River, a licensed general contractor, a real estate broker and also is active with the local fire department and “first-responders.”

He also proudly noted that he “studied agriculture at Clemson University for four years,” noting that “agriculture is a huge part of what Henderson County is all about.”

He added, “I think we need to prioritize our farmers a little bit better.. Farming is changing. It’s not what it used to be...

“It’s not easy for our fire departments and first-responders to live here... I think they should be able to afford to live here, where they’re not driving from South Carolina” or other relatively distant locales.

Orr then asserted, “I’m 29 years old, but I think I bring a fresh perspective that would be good for our county... In my campaign, the main concern is where are we headed with Henderson County? I think it’s very important that we have a young voice” on the county Board of Commissioners.

In a brief Q&A session that followed, an unidentified woman asserted, “So many houses are going up, but EMT (and other working people) can’t afford them....”

Agreeing, Orr replied, “A lot of the houses are a million (dollars) or more. We need to prioritize housing projects for less-expensive, more-affordable housing. If we’re approving developments, we need to approve developments that are the best fit for Henderson County”

Candidates Wyatt and Orr then shook hands as their part of the program ended — and the crowd applauded them

Next, Fishburne called on incumbent District 4 Commissioner Rebecca McCall and her primary challenger Tom Appleby to make their cases.

McCall spoke first, noting, “I am a native — the 10th generation of the first settlers here in Henderson County. That means my roots are deep here in Henderson County… other than Florida,” she quipped, triggering laughter.

“I remember when Asheville was a special place… And it’s just not the same place” now. “And I do not want to see us become Asheville. I’ve helped run developers out of Henderson County, noting that, unlike Asheville officials, “I don’t lke developers coming in from Atlanta, Charlotte” and other metropolitan locales.

“For the most part, our developers haven’t approached us about developing this area,” she said.

“I approved apartments near I-26 and I approved it because some folks from AdventHealth said it would help (in housing) their employees. But (N.C. Rep.) Jennifer Balkcom has my picture on a dartboard because it is near where she lives... Also, I approved (with the other commissioers) a place along Asheville Hghway. That’s for people who work here and can’t afford (to live) anywhere else.”

McCall then lamented that “the city (Hendersonville) has been approving annexation agreements with developers, overriding the county in the city,” to the detriment of nearly everyone.

Next, her opponent, Appleby, noted that he lives in the Bat Cave area and that “the worst thing I saw (recently) was an Ace Hardware being built on Chimney Rock Road.”

To that end, Appleby accused the developers of the Ace Hardware complex of cutting down 850 apple trees to make way for the development.

In response, Appleby said he plans to lead in the planting of 1,000 apples trees around Henderson County to make up for the alleged devastation wreaked by the Ace Hardware developers.

“There are so many things I’m not happy about in Henderson County,” he noted. When he asked for any questions from the crowd, nobody responded.

Next, Fishburne called on State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, R-Hendersonville, to speak. Balkcom is facing a challenge from Democrat Lynn Russo, who was not present. 

Balkcom noted that she “was born and raised here” and is in the “eighth generation of her family” to live in Henderson County. “I’ve never lived anywhere else. I’ve worked very hard on criminal justice, while Western North Carolina faced something very horrific with Hurricane Helene damage...  This job has never been about the title, but instead for fixing problems. I believe North Carolina is about protecting our families. I do what I say.”

After Balkcom’s address, District 11 GOP Chairwoman Merry Guy was granted permission from Fishburne to say a few words about Balkcom. Guy then praised her “as one of the hardest-working members of our legislature.”   

Fishbrne then called on the final speaker, Mike Hagar, who is challenging N.C. Rep. Jake Johnson, R-Saluda, in the GOP primary. Johnson was not present at the HCRMC meeting.

Hager noted that he holds an engineering degree and is from Rutherford County. He also noted that he previously served in state legislature

“I joined the Republican Party of Rutherford County, then Rutherford County” suffered a big jobless dip, “so I decided in 2010 I’d run for office.”

Hager said he often is asked, “Why’d you leave” political office? “Because my Dad had a stroke. He has since died” and Hager now feels he is in a position to help lead the state.

Earlier in the meeting, Fisher called on Hara Taicher to address the BCRMC about an upcoming Awake & Bold Town Hall Community Event, scheduled March 7-8 at The Horseshoe Farm, 155 Horseshoe Farm Drive, Hendersonville. To register, visit online at www.awakeandbold.org. 

Taicher, who is is the founder and a director of Awake and Bold, noted that the event will be focused on child trafficking awareness, protecting children and strengthening families.

“North Carolina is No. 8 in the country for child trafficking,” Taicher noted. The upcoming event “will be solution-oriented with situational awareness emphasized.”