2008.12.04
Roanoke piled high in public scandals
Is Roanoke becoming the most scandal-plagued city in Virginia?
Sure, we're not Chicago or even Detroit, where the former mayor is behind bars.
But six scandals in six years that touch on sex, politics, procurement and conflicts of interest make you wonder: Is there any other municipality in Virginia that's worse?
The latest investigation centers on possible bid-rigging at Valley Metro. Police are delving into whether a manager steered business to his wife's interior design business. No one has been charged, but the manager and procurement director have been suspended.
"It's another mess," Vice Mayor Sherman Lea said. "It's another black eye for the city."
This is merely the latest in a string of "messes" that have erupted in recent years.
n In 2002, the city's municipal auditor discovered a bid-fabricating scheme within the school division's building maintenance and operations department. A former school employee received probation.
n In 2005, a sheriff's deputy filed (and ultimately won) a lurid sexual harassment lawsuit that pulled the cloak off the unseemly behavior of former Sheriff George McMillan, whom the voters fired.
n In 2006, the feds came down hard on the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority for improper bidding of public contracts and conflicts of interest. The authority had to return more than $440,000 to the federal government.
n Early this year, Alfred Dowe resigned from the city council amid questions about expenses related to city business. He has repaid taxpayers nearly $6,000, and his actions are under investigation.
n Monday, a grand jury charged former Councilman Brian Wishneff with breaking state campaign finance laws by orchestrating a campaign ad in which he used a fake name.
A day later, the Valley Metro investigation hit the headlines. At this point, it's unclear how far that scandal will go.
I don't know what, if anything, these incidents suggest about Roanoke. But one thing that's abundantly clear is that such episodes fuel distrust of government and its institutions.
What's telling is that the allegations of misconduct have been directed at managers, administrators and elected officials.
In other words, bad things are happening at multiple levels of government.
If there's good news here, it's that few if any of the scandals above involved pervasive corruption. City hall is not full of cheats and thieves. The vast majority of city employees are public servants who deserve our respect.
But the bad news is, it keeps happening.
Every time a cozy relationship benefits an insider, or an elected official uses the public till for his pocket change, or somebody abuses power at another person's expense, the public's distrust grows.
And they wonder: What will be uncovered next?
Lack of trust, moral decay, idealism warped by lascivious act of lust view on television, and taxpayers willingness to give to these Perverted mongrels access to pay for their mis-deeds.
Do we blame past presidents, parents, or could it just be the responsibility of the man in the mirror.
It's neither, lack of accountability to none. For we all are wearing blinders.
Comment by Static Lines — December 4, 2008 @ 11:18 am
Think about a volcano or an earthquake. Long before it blows it's top, that volcano always gives off little signals of what's coming, with increased steam, rumbles, etc. So does an earthquake, with little tremblers before the Big Shake. I figure one of these days pretty soon you'll see a scandal in Roanoke that makes national headlines. The only reason it hasn't happened already is because the sheeple are so used to all the graft, bribery, and corruption they just don't pay any attention to it anymore. Nothing's ever really done about it if they do manage to get caught by accident. The only good thing about it is this just makes the crooks bolder and more daring, and pretty soon they'll get REAL greedy and pull off something that will make CBS 60 minutes. Just hide and watch what happens. It'll be as funny as when Roanoke Mayor Joel Cutchin got caught with his pants down, literally, in the Great Salem Avenue Cathouse Raid.
Comment by Percy Kution — December 4, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Power and money can bring out the negative in the best and too late for some are then our leaders, or idols. Reporting on this is a wonderful thing, yes we should be informed. But the blanks that are left out, but well known speak volumns about character. And they have been at it for years, most never caught, and merrily go about their deceptions, confident and secure. It's enought that true facts rise to the top, as we see every day, good trumps evil, always has always will. And the evil does go down, never even saying I'm sorry, as they think it is their right to do wrong. One set of rules for the masses another for them; not so, it's the rule of nature that rules.
Comment by Dona Wheeler — December 4, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
Hi Shanna,
I wanted to tell you that I think you too are are a positive role model. I read your article about your little sis admiring Michelle Obama and the great role model she is. You too are smart, well educated, and articulate. It's clear you have made something very positive of your life also. So little sis doesn't have to look far!!!!
I really enjoy your column and read it often. I'm originally from Roanoke, but live in Miami now. I always check to see what's happening back home. I appreciate your honest and straight forward delivery of the news you share with us. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Comment by Andrea — December 4, 2008 @ 11:40 pm
Somebody said that the best view of Roanoke was in the rear view mirror as they left here.If we keep up the way we are going that may just be so.
Comment by charlie — December 5, 2008 @ 12:21 am
Let's not forget about Northwest Neighborhood Environment Organization (NNEO), and the scandal regarding their "missing" funds, of which we've heard nothing as to the outcome of what happened to the funds or who is/was held responsible. Does anywhere care or is it water over the African American inner City dam? Where is NNEO now, how are they helping the Loudon/Gilmer neighborhood... or are/can they? Mrs. Thornhill gave her blood, sweat and many tears to that organization, if the community is forgotten, she shouldn't be!
Comment by Carolyn — December 6, 2008 @ 8:36 am
MABE ROANOKE NEEDS A CITY MANAGER,WE HAVE NOT HAD ONE SIENCE BEN.
Comment by DANNY — December 6, 2008 @ 11:32 am
Danny:
Is Arthur Owens still available for the City Mgr post? Let's bring him and the Friday night Klub Quiz gang, with Ralph Peck and Automobile Exchange. Nothing like a trip down memory lane for us old timers.
Comment by Mike — December 16, 2008 @ 1:29 am
Mike: YES!!! Bring back Arthur Owens!! He was a good old man!!!! And Klub Quiz was the best thing on TV. Ralph Peck? Might have been the only HONEST car dealer in Roanoke besides Glenn Naff. Excellent idea!! And what about the Uncle Looney cartoon show with Little Bitty Pete? Remember that?
Comment by Percy Kution — December 16, 2008 @ 6:46 pm