Editorial: Lucas for mayor of Roanoke
Mark Lucas for mayor of Roanoke
This isn’t as good as Roanoke gets. A Mayor Lucas offers the city and its people an opportunity to do better. Voters shouldn’t settle for less.
For Roanoke voters, the mayoral election feels like a Thursday evening after a hectic week at work. The dishes are done, the children tucked in, and finally it’s time to ease into the recliner and grab a book from the end table. There’s probably a better book on the shelf across the room, but is it worth the energy to fetch it?
In other words, are voters so comfortable that they’re willing to settle for the status quo and another four years of incumbent David Bowers? Or are they willing to take a chance on a newcomer who is challenging the city to set its goals higher?
April 22, 2012 - 9:36 AM
I almost choked on my coffee when I saw the RT endorse a Republican. If Mark wins, the subject of party affiliation will not arise again for 4 years. In city politics, unless you are a hard right ideologue, party affiliation is irrelevant.
Mark is a great, talented guy who would be a effective and respected Mayor. Thanks for putting aside party politics and recognizing that.
Political parties should be irrelevant at all levels of government.
Every once in a while, common sense rises up and places itself upon the editorial pages of this newspaper. It is a rare occasion, and one most welcome.
David Bowers is not a bad guy, he’s quite personable and a great glad-handing spokes-model. What he has never been is a true leader and coalition builder, its not in his DNA. If you have a baby to kiss, a ribbon to cut, or a appearance at which some off-hand and funny comments need to be made, he’s the perfect choice. I suppose he must as well be a decent attorney. He should stick with that, and allow someone to assume the position of mayor who is a proven leader, irregardless of political affiliation. I wish that I had a vote in the city (my business is there, but my home is in the county) it would certainly go to Mr. Lucas.