What makes you the best-qualified candidate for this position?
I’ve been privileged to call Black Mountain my home for my entire life. I’m a graduate of Owen High School, UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University.

7 candidates compete for Black Mountain Town Council seats

Ryan Stone is from Black Mountain. He is a graduate of Owen High School, UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University.

District 2 commissioner primary questionnaire: Frost vs. Peterson

Ryan Stone (appointed in 2023; previously served on Council from 2013-22)
Ryan Stone
Occupation: Assistant clerk of court, Buncombe County
Website: N/A

Ryan Stone works as an assistant clerk of court for Buncombe County.

Ryan works as an assistant clerk of court for Buncombe County.

Ryan Stone
Term Expires: 2026

	Larry Harris, Council Member
Term Expires: 2026*

Town Council | Black Mountain, NC

The Black Mountain Town Council unanimously voted to appoint Ryan Stone to fill the seat left by Bill Christy’s resignation.

Ryan Stone appointed to vacant Black Mountain Town Council seat

Stone left Town Council in December 2022 after serving nine years. He was first appointed to the role and elected twice. He finished his time on the council as vice mayor after deciding not to run for reelection.

Ryan currently serves on the Black Mountain Town Council; his term expires in 2026. He was appointed to fill a vacant council seat. He previously served on the council for nine years, initially by appointment, and was elected twice.

2026 North Carolina General Election

We must strive to find a balance between preserving the things that give Black Mountain its small-town charm while providing a high level of service. This is best addressed by being accessible, listening to citizens, maintaining fiscal responsibility and being opportunistic in searching for funding opportunities.

Stone seems to be on board with Collins’ approach to fiscal responsibility and highlights the progress the town has made in reducing debt and increasing the town’s general fund balance. “These policies will provide future boards with greater discretion to pursue projects and be prepared for unexpected expenses,” he says. “In addition, I would like to make the budget process more inclusionary, including looking into more of a participatory process with citizens to help prioritize long- and short-term goals.”

Black Mountain and Weaverville candidates differ on visions for future

Advocates for fiscal responsibility and pursuing funding opportunities to address growth-related service and affordability pressures.

Plans to make the town budget process more participatory so residents can help prioritize short- and long-term goals.

- Advocates for fiscal responsibility and pursuing funding opportunities to address growth-related service and affordability pressures.
- Plans to make the town budget process more participatory so residents can help prioritize short- and long-term goals.

Economy

As of September 2, 2026, Ryan Stone did not have a website or any information online.

Public Services

What are the top two issues facing Black Mountain, and how would you address them if elected?
We face pressures from growth and development that impact our infrastructure, demand for service, service level and affordability. We must strive to find a balance between preserving the things that give Black Mountain its small-town charm while providing a high level of service.

What is your top priority if elected?

Balancing the pressures of growth while preserving the small town feel that makes Black Mountain special, in an equitable and fiscally responsible manner.

Your Vote: Town of Black Mountain Council Voter Guide 2024

The top issue Stone sees is dealing with the growth that his native Black Mountain is experiencing and the related problems with congestion, parking and housing. “The only way we can address these issues is through an open and transparent process that listens to citizens, business owners, developers and visitors, and uses their input as a guide for how we grow in the future,” he says. He also wants to increase the resources to the town’s Planning Department, which he says is undersized and overworked.

Prioritizes balancing growth with Black Mountain's small-town character, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and town services.

Calls for an open growth-planning process that uses input from residents, business owners, developers and visitors.

- Prioritizes balancing growth with Black Mountain's small-town character, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and town services.
- Calls for an open growth-planning process that uses input from residents, business owners, developers and visitors.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

Ryan Stone

As of September 2, 2026, Ryan Stone’s website did not contain information on this issue.

LinkedIn

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.