Three incumbents and seven other hopefuls head to the polls on May 6th in Roanoke for three City Council seats up for grabs. They met recently for several candidate forums, including one sponsored by the Williamson Road Area Business Association, where members submitted questions answered by the candidates.
There wasn’t much controversy, although crime data and a ranking by a real estate website that ranks Roanoke dead last among the safest cities in Virginia – 37th – did bring some debate.
A question about repurposing property drew similar responses. Democrat Freeda Cathcart said it must fit with the neighborhood plan; incumbent Ray Ferris, running as an independent this time, said the city has repurposed buildings successfully with the help of local developers, “turn[ing] a liability into an asset.”
Asked about the need for having courage in public office, incumbent Bill Bestpitch, also running as an independent this time, advised officeholders to “allow plenty of opportunity for input…listen to both sides.” Independent Valerie Garner pointed out that in many cases you can’t please everyone and you have to “deal with it.”
Republican candidate Hank Benson mentioned “schools, police and infrastructure” as the key core services that the city must take care of. Benson was also concerned about what he called the “high crime rate” in Roanoke City. But Ferris countered by saying “crime is down 50% since 2005.” At another forum later that same week Ferris bristled and was more vocal in disputing the allegation that Roanoke is a high crime rate city.
Independent Tuan Reynolds wants the city to make sure roads and bridges are up to date. GOP candidate Jim Garrett said a regional approach should be employed “where it makes good sense.” He was also “at a loss” as to why the regional broadband authority is just getting off the ground here.
Democrat Linda Wyatt, seeking a return to City Council, would like to see the New River Valley drawn closer to the Roanoke Valley when it comes to economic development. Garrett wants to focus on bringing more high tech businesses to Roanoke; “I really believe I bring a lot to the table,” said the retired Army veteran and businessman.
Incumbent Dave Trinkle said regionalism was evident “more than ever” these days. He also wants to see more economic development in the valley. Republican Roger Malouf wants to “develop great relationships with neighborhoods. Make sure the citizens come first.” The lack of citizen input on issues like the Huff Lane hotel development has been a consistent theme for the GOP ticket.
Concerning the city’s debt, Bestpitch said Roanoke was “in good shape,” able to pay its bills. “Keep Roanoke on the right track,” he advised. But Garrett said he was bothered by the violent and property crime rates in Roanoke; each measurement did show a slight up-tick from 2012 to 2013, in one of the four zones Roanoke is split into for analysis. He also said “too many” children had to rely on free lunches in Roanoke City schools.
“I do not believe Roanoke is on the right track,” said Malouf as the WRABA forum wrapped up, “you have to change the culture.” Wyatt would like to see Williamson Road develop a village center. Reynolds wants the city to spend more time tackling the poverty issue.
Executive director Wendy Jones, a former City Council candidate, said WRABA members get “a lot of good information” out of candidate forums. For starters, they provided the questions she used. “They get a chance to see the interaction…to hear the answer is one thing, to see the [candidate’s reaction] is really important.”
Jones liked the idea of incentives being offered for businesses on Williamson Road and elsewhere, as suggested by Linda Wyatt, although she noted that Roanoke has some of those in place right now.
Meanwhile WRABA member Bill Burch III, president of the Airlee Court Neighborhood Watch, took in the debate. “We can see how they react on different issues.” Burch said he’s looking for a change on City Council, although he wouldn’t say whom he would vote for he wants: “Somebody to move the city forward.”
By Gene Marrano
