Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 17, 1992 TAG: 9202170120
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
CANDIDATES SEEK BLACK VOTES
On the last Sunday before the Democrats' mass meeting, Roanoke Vice Mayor Howard Musser and Councilman David Bowers took their campaigns for mayor to black churches.Musser attended High Street Baptist where he was praised by Mayor Noel Taylor, the church's pastor, and given a standing ovation by the congregation.
Bowers spoke at a breakfast meeting of an interdenominational fellowship group at Jerusalem Baptist where he also received a warm reception.
Both candidates are appealing to black voters because they could be crucial at Saturday's mass meeting to pick the Democratic nominee for mayor in the May 5 election.
In the past, Musser has run stronger in black neighborhoods than Bowers has, but Bowers' support may have been bolstered in recent years by his support for completion of the Gainsboro neighborhood redevelopment and other projects important in the black community.
With the retirement of Taylor, the city's first black mayor, the black vote could also be critical in the spring election if the Republicans have a mayoral candidate.
The GOP does not have an announced candidate for mayor, but Willis Anderson, a former mayor, is considering seeking the party's nomination.
At the end of Sunday's church service, Taylor told his congregation that his friendship with Musser transcends partisan politics or other differences.
"This man is a special and loyal friend. We've worked together on council for a long time," Taylor said. "He puts the city first in what he does."
Taylor, a Republican who has been mayor 16 1/2 years, said Musser tried to persuade him to seek a new term. But he decided to retire partly for health reasons.
Alluding to Bowers' decision to run for mayor regardless of whether Taylor sought a new term, Taylor reminded his congregation that Musser stayed out of the contest until he announced that he would retire.
Musser has always said he would not challenge Taylor because of the mayor's popularity and because of Musser's respect for him.
"He had enough respect for me to say he would not run against me. I'm grateful for that," said Taylor, as the congregation applauded.
Speaking briefly to the church members, Musser said the mass meeting could have far-reaching implications for the city. He asked for their support, saying the main issue is who can provide mature and responsible leadership for the city.
At the breakfast meeting at Jerusalem Baptist, Bowers recalled his efforts to broaden participation in city government by black people and his support for a modified ward system to ensure representation from black neighborhoods and other areas.
Bowers' effort to win the support of black voters will be bolstered by the backing of Councilman William White, who was at the meeting.
White, who is black, was a running mate of Musser two years ago when he won a council seat, but he is helping Bowers this year. White said he has nothing against Musser, but supports Bowers for the nomination. After the breakfast, several other people said they are supporting Bowers, too.
If he wins, Bowers said he would work to ensure there is no racial discrimination in the hiring and promotion of municipal employees.
"There has been a lot of progress under Mayor Taylor, but I will emphasize greater participation for all groups and people," Bowers said. He promised to be an active and energetic mayor who would have the political courage to stand up for voters.
Although he has sometimes found himself alone in dissenting on issues before council, Bowers said he believes he can work with others if he becomes mayor. "If I win, I will reach out to all groups and people," he said.
Keywords:
POLITICS