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The sixth time was the charm for David Bowers.

After defeats in his last five political outings, the former Roanoke mayor and councilman captured the mayor's office in this week's municipal election.

Once considered the Bill Clinton of Roanoke's black community, Bowers became 2008's Comeback Kid on Tuesday night.

Bowers seized on sources of residents' discontent and exploited those to victory.

He rallied to the side of firefighters disgruntled over budget cuts, Forest Park Elementary parents unhappy about the pending closure of the school and dismayed Mill Mountain advocates who are fighting a proposal for a restaurant in the park.

He also pledged to oppose an amphitheater on the old Victory Stadium site.

Candidate Bowers made a slew of promises. But can Mayor Bowers deliver?

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After almost eight months, the mailbag overfloweth on subjects as varied as Jeremiah Wright, Boones Mill, former city Councilman Alfred Dowe, a restaurant on Mill Mountain, the Roanoke police department and parental responsibility.

Before I get to the electronic mail, I'll share a recent voicemail I received from an anonymous caller annoyed by my column citing the need for any restaurant on Mill Mountain to have a view:

Miss Flowers, pack up your rent-to-own furniture and move to Pittsburgh.

I don't rent my furniture, but it's probably time to buy something a little more up-to-date. My basement, with its dated white, overstuffed leather sofa and chair, looks like a throwback to the disco era.

As for a move to Pittsburgh, don't tempt me. It's a very cool city.

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The deed, as we expected, is done.

Forest Park Elementary School will close in June, and its 265 students will be dispersed to three other elementary schools this fall to make room for an overage academy.

Impassioned parents and their advocates condemned the proposal in a show of support for the school during a meeting Wednesday evening at Lucy Addison Middle School. But the next morning, school officials approved the measure. With a divided 4-3 vote, the Roanoke School Board elevated the proposal to policy.

Now, for the sake of the children, let the healing begin.

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Dear promgoers:

Elsewhere in this paper is the tragic, life-changing story of a young, underage drunken driver.

Kids and booze. Booze and kids. They don't mix. Oh gawd, how many times have you had to listen to that?

But just hear me out, particularly as many of you kick off prom season this weekend.

Let's be real: There's something about tuxedos, prom gowns, bracelet corsages and rented Hummer limos that make some of you forget your home training.

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