December 16, 2007Bowers hasn't called it quitsWhat's next for David Bowers? "I don't know," the former mayor said Thursday, two days after losing a bid for chairmanship of the Roanoke Democratic Committee to Tony Reed, a political novice. That vote of the party's committee members was the fifth time in 10 years that Roanokers snubbed Bowers' political aspirations. You would think the man who would be party chairman (or mayor or congressman or city councilman) would take the hint. Not Bowers. He's not ready to concede -- yet. I don't know Bowers, so when we talked Thursday it was unclear if he was being coy or whether he really doesn't know his next move. So I pressed further. If he had to, would the long-time Democratic loyalist switch parties for a shot in the May election? "I don't know the answer to that right now." After all these years, what value does he bring to politics? "I stand up for the working people," he said unequivocally. "My involvement in politics honors my late father. He was just a working guy." But in recent years, voters have failed to buy that time and again. Bowers, 55, was 32 when he was elected to the Roanoke City Council in 1984. He served until 2000, the last eight years as mayor. Along the way, he lost his charm and made some enemies. "People love him or people hate him," said former Roanoke Sheriff Alvin Hudson, a Bowers supporter. "I think he was an excellent mayor. I would support David. I don't always agree with him. I would hope he would run." Hudson's sentiment, though, largely has been absent among voters. In 1998, when he was still mayor, Bowers was the party's sacrificial lamb in a congressional race against popular Rep. Bob Goodlatte, the 6th District Republican who's never had a close election. Tuesday night, it was hard to ignore the blue and white "Bowers Unites Us" signs. They were the first thing anyone saw when entering the parking lot. Another set of the placards stood on each side of the sidewalk as visitors walked along the campus to the meeting in the cafeteria. The signs were classic Bowers. The man has the political grip-and-grin down to an art. Anywhere there are potential voters, there's a good chance Bowers will be there glad-handing. I've seen him at the Martin Luther King annual breakfast and last summer at the funeral of local civil rights pioneer Margie Jumper. Tuesday was no different. Dressed in a shirt, tie and dark suit, Bowers worked the room with the intensity of a clergyman at Christmas services. For a brief while, he staked out a spot at the entrance to the meeting. He shook hands and passed out "Bowers" stickers -- blue, to match the signs outside. But all that flesh-pressing, small talk and square-jawed nodding went for naught. The chaos that surrounded the vote-counting subsided when outgoing party Chairwoman Carolyn Word, a Bowers ally, announced the final tally. Tony Reed, 53 votes; Bowers, 43 votes. With that, Bowers walked over to Reed, shook his hand, wished him well, then strode briskly out of the meeting. For many politicians, that could be a metaphor for a final exit from politics. But something tells me we haven't heard the last of David Bowers. So far, he's unwilling to acknowledge that local politics has passed him by -- even if voters have made that obvious. Whatever Bowers decides, Hudson and others stressed the former mayor's love for Roanoke. After I interviewed Bowers, he called back and left a voice mail on my phone: "This is my community. I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to keep trying to be a part of Roanoke and help out the people here in our community. I think that's what it's all about. "And it seems to me there's lots to do." Shanna Flowers' column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
.....Advertisement.....
|
...Advertisement...
...Advertisement...
Comments
[December 16, 2007 10:19 AM]
Bobby Buck : →http://infobuck.com/photo5.htmlWhen growing up, I was chided never to prejudge. Don't just accept or reject because of the cover, but "read the book." Initially, I thought Mr. Bowers was simply a political juggernaut, but now I believe he stood up for the people and clashed with the power groups such as the Business Council...a clandestine collection of politics and economics determining the course of the Valley's destiny. I have even asked The Roanoke Times why don't they do a report about this particularly powerful group in Roanoke? No luck so far. I also discovered that they can "blackball" as maybe they have done with Mr. Bowers. Nevertheless, this topic is a segue to the subject of the homeless. Why are not the churches playing a greater role in taking care of the homeless and hungry? Isn't that their primary mission for existing? I even asked you to do a story about their "conspicuos silence"...so far, no response. Therefore, are there ministers who are bold and "Christian" enough to step to the podium and explain their non-assistance in this dilemma? It is a dilemma that will speak volumes about the spirit of "Christ"mas under the "star"?
[December 17, 2007 12:35 PM]
Erin WolfeFor those who have ever worked or socialized with David Bowers, you understand his love of this community and his desire to be a part of it. I applaud those who are willing to step up and serve our city in a time when dirty politics keep many away. It is easy to sit back in judgment, it takes a strong person to stick thier neck out for what they believe in. We need more people like David to step up to this very public challenge.