2008.03.30
4 choices to fill seat, each one a winner
Here's some good city government news, folks: On Monday morning, whichever way the Roanoke City Council votes, it won't screw up.
With four strong candidates vying to replace ex-Councilman Alfred Dowe, council members will be selecting from a bounty of competence and commitment.
The four finalists are former Councilman Rupert Cutler, former school board member Alvin Nash, former Assistant City Manager Earl Reynolds and community activist Vivian Sanchez-Jones.
The council arrived at the four finalists by winnowing a list of 22 applicants. The number of applicants is interesting, considering that a few months ago we didn't have many independents and any Republicans to field a slate.
Of all the finalists, I know Cutler best. We hail from the same home state of Michigan.
But my acquaintance with Cutler has no bearing on my opinion of his ability to serve. His expansive and impressive public service record ranging from federal to local posts and environmental involvement speaks for itself.
Cutler is not flashy, but he is deliberative and studies an issue before forming an opinion.
Nash always has seemed knowledgeable on whatever issue we've discussed. He was a capable school board member, and it's hard to imagine he'd be any less so on the city council.
As a councilman, Nash wouldn't be venturing into unfamiliar territory. Anyone who heard the extensive presentation he gave the council about plans for a new William Fleming High School a few years ago could not have left that meeting unimpressed.
Nash was well-prepared, engaging and unflappable answering pointed questions.
Reynolds' days as an assistant city manager in Roanoke and later as city manager in Martinsville point to his firsthand knowledge of city government. Background he gained as a city administrator would give him invaluable insights as a councilman.
Reynolds' roots run deep in Roanoke. His jobs in housing management have informed him on issues confronting the city's disadvantaged.
Of all the candidates, I know Sanchez-Jones the least. I met her a few weeks ago for the first time. But from all evidence, she has been a stalwart in helping newcomers settle into the schools and the community. She also would give voice to a growing Hispanic constituency while immersing herself in issues confronting the city at large.
As council members weigh their decision Monday, they will have to consider factors such as diversity, expertise and the familiarity of issues facing Roanoke in years to come. The choice won't be easy.
Who knows what's going to happen in the May election? But this is one pick that the council can control. With this finalist pool, the council can't go wrong.
I agree that council cannot go wrong with the anyone of the four choices but I believe that Earl Reynolds brings more to the seat than all others. Earl was the driving force behind the formation of the Neighborhood Partnership Program that has been a tremendous bridge between city hall and the citizens. NNEO was one of the points of light" that grew out of that effort. Mrs. Florine Thornhill, NNEO founder and President was recognized by former President Clinton for her work. I am a fouding member of the partnership and worked closely with Earl as that whole process unfolded. Earl formed a partnership with Va Tech and we had the young eyes and minds of future city planners and architects. We need that kind of presence on the council.
Comment by William Lee — March 30, 2008 @ 7:51 am
I want to know what kind of clean up and community support is going to be done for the Patton Ave area. I want to know how those that live there will be helped? The crime, the racial tensions and the problems with drugs and dealers needs to be addressed sooner than later.
There is a need to revitalize this area for those that just want to have a good community. I've got family that's racially mixed - and I don't just mean black or white. I've got half sisters that are hispanic, indian and asian too. But if I wanted them to live in the Patton Ave area, I'd be worried some of them may be harmed. For no other reason than what because of what they "look like."
We need to start standing up and saying "this is not who we need to be" Why can't it be about the dreams we all have and not about our differences?
Comment by Angela Dark — April 4, 2008 @ 7:00 pm