Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 18, 1990 TAG: 9004190573
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
"I won't straddle the fence on Macher issues," he has told voters repeatedly.
Voters will have to wait until after the May 1 election to see if he will have the opportunity to stick to his promise.
But Macher, the only Republican in the contest for three council seats, has shown during the campaign that he's not afraid of controversy.
He has made an explosive charge: that the Democrats offered him a School Board seat if he would not run for council this year.
The Democrats angrily have denied the accusation, but Macher put them on the defensive.
They acknowledged they talked with him about joining the party but denied they made any offers or promises.
Macher has his political problems, too.
He did not obtain building, electrical and plumbing permits for repairs and renovation work last year on nearly a dozen buildings he owns, mostly rental property in Old Southwest.
He also added apartments in two houses that violate zoning restrictions because the lots do not have the space required for the number of apartment units in the buildings.
Macher said he relied on his contractors and subcontractors to obtain the permits and did not realize they had failed to do so.
He has filed an appeal with the city Board of Zoning Appeals to obtain zoning variances so he will not have to rip out some apartments. But he asked the board to delay action on his request until May 8, a week after the election.
At times, the controversies over his accusation against the Democrats on the School Board issue and his own zoning problems have overshadowed other issues he has raised.
But Macher, 37, said he is pleased with his campaign so far in his first try for public office.
Macher clashed with city officials last year over the acquisition of his family's antiques mall in the old A&P grocery building on the City Market.
The family agreed to sell the A&P building to the city for $425,000 after the city threatened to condemn it if the owners would not sell. The building is next to the site of the proposed Dominion Tower project.
But Macher said the controversy over the mall was not a factor in his decision to run for council.
Macher knows he faces an uphill fight to win a council seat, but he's counting on his business experience and Republican Party support to help him.
Republican Robert Garland is not seeking another term after 24 years as a councilman, and Macher wants the Republicans to not lose seats on council.
Macher, who had not been affiliated with either political party, said he offers voters a choice if they want to prevent "back-room politics and closed doors" on council if the Democrats win a 5-2 majority.
The Democrats now control council 4-3, but Councilman James Trout, a Democrat who is running as an independent this year, sometimes votes with the Republicans on controversial issues.
Macher has the backing of Mayor Noel Taylor and Councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles, both Republicans.
"If we get a one-sided council, issues are going to be railroaded," Macher said.
In addition to Macher and Trout, three Democrats are running for council - Councilman Howard Musser, School Board member William White and former Councilman James Harvey. Also, the Rev. Cecil McClanahan is running as an independent.
Although Macher does not have a political background, he said his 15 years of business experience would be helpful on council. He has also cited his community and civic work in more than half a dozen organizations.
Macher and his family own nine Macado's and Spanky's restaurants, stretching from Harrisonburg to Boone, N.C. They recently announced plans to open a restaurant in Salem. The family also owns rental property.
Macher describes himself as an independent thinker who is not obligated to any special-interest group.
Macher said he supports a strong economic development policy that will attract more businesses and create jobs in the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology and other industrial parks.
Macher said he favors a strong education system, adding that schools should have high priority for city tax money. He favors higher pay for teachers.
IN PROFILE
ROLAND "SPANKY" MACHERi
Party: Republican
Age: 37
Profession: Owner/vice president of Spanky's/Macado's restaurants, owner of rental property and antiques mall.
Education and background: Bachelor's degree in business administration, management and marketing, James Madison University. Working on master's degree in hotel and restaurant management at Virginia Tech.
Civic: Active in community and fraternal organizations, including Virginia Restaurant Association, Shrine and Kazim Temple.
Issues: Says he wants to preserve the two-party system on City Council, to prevent "back-room politics" if Democrats win a 5-2 majority.
Quote: "I don't come with any excessive political baggage. I come with a new focus and a new direction. I won't straddle the fence on issues. I will ask the hard questions. I will take a stand."
by CNB