Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 30, 1992 TAG: 9201300265
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
BOWLES WANTS TO STAY ON COUNCIL
Elizabeth Bowles says she wants to stay on Roanoke City Council to help fulfill the dreams and vision of Mayor Noel Taylor for the city.Citing her 15 1/2 years on council, Bowles said Wednesday she will seek the Republican nomination for a new term in the May 5 election.
When Taylor told her he wouldn't seek a new term, Bowles said, she hesitated about what she should do. They have been GOP running mates in four elections.
"The more I thought about it, and with many prayers, the more positive was my reaction" to run, she said.
At a news conference attended by Taylor, Bowles' 91-year-old mother and dozens of supporters and family members, she said her experience will be needed in the next four years.
Bowles promised to give strong support to schools, adding the city may receive an additional $2 million in state funds in the next year that will more than restore the $1.7 million that was cut in the past year.
Bowles, 70, said city officials need to put more emphasis on economic development and tourism. She promised to encourage other Roanoke Valley governments to increase their budgets for tourism.
The Hotel Roanoke renovation project should remain a top priority, she said. Roanoke needs to strengthen its ties with Virginia Tech with a new highway link and other projects, she said.
Pointing to her experience, Bowles cited her role in nearly a dozen city projects that have been started or completed in recent years, among them: a new regional landfill, airport terminal, Roanoke River flood-reduction and conversion of the old Jefferson High School into a performing arts center.
Bowles said city officials must continue to emphasize the renovation of older neighborhoods, as well as the addition of new housing for people of all economic groups.
She cited her work with Total Action Against Poverty in dealing with the homeless problem. "We must continue to work to provide shelter, training and encouragement to assist those who find themselves homeless," she said,.
Bowles said she supports the Community Oriented Police Effort program designed to put officers back on the beat so they can get to know residents and their concerns.
"Mutual trust between citizens and police officers can go far in curbing the crime rate in the city," she said.
Bowles said she also supports police efforts to enforce the city curfew that prohibits teen-agers from being on the streets, in parking lots and other public places late at night. She said this will help curb late-night cruising and gatherings by young people, especially in the Williamson Road area where she lives.
Keywords:
POLITICS