Before the Joe Smith ads appeared in local papers last weekend, I had already made up my mind to ignore the endorsements of various organizations for their chosen slates of candidates, and instead select individual candidates based on their merits. While the “For the City” slate that swept the last election was instrumental in finally [...]
I’m one of those people who take my right to vote seriously, and I can’t remember the last time I didn’t vote in a local, state, or national election. Unfortunately, I also can’t remember the last time there was a candidate on any ballot that I was actually excited to vote for. In most cases, [...]
On Tuesday evening, I attended a forum with all of the candidates for Roanoke City Council and Mayor. Actually, all of the candidates save one were in attendance. Brian Wishneff’s decision not to participate was probably related to the fact that he had publicly referred to his fellow council members as slimy democracy hating thugs [...]
At a time when our city is in dire need of fresh thinking from our elected leaders, the city council has followed the predictable path in their choice of applicants to interview for the seat vacated by Alfred Dowe. Of the twenty-two people who applied for the seat, council apparently only sees fit to grant [...]
As another election season approaches, I’m reminded of one of my pet peeves. Even though it’s an all too common occurrence, I’m always dumbstruck when I see an office building or storefront plastered with campaign posters. Business owners have the same rights as anyone else to support candidates and causes of their choice, but as [...]