Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 25, 1992 TAG: 9202250154
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Joel Turner
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
BOWLES WANTS TO HELP COMPLETE TAYLOR'S VISON
Elizabeth Bowles says her experience will be needed on Roanoke City Council in the next four years.And, she said, she wants to help fulfill the dreams and vision of Mayor Noel Taylor, who will leave the post June 30.
Bowles, 70, said those are the main reasons she is seeking the Republican Party nomination for a new term.
Bowles, a councilwoman for nearly 16 years, said Roanoke will need experienced council members as it deals with the financial pressures caused by the recession and cuts in state aid for localities.
When Taylor told her that he wouldn't seek a new term, Bowles said she hesitated when deciding whether to run again. 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. "The citizens should have the choice of my remaining on council to help continue and fulfill the dreams of the mayor."
Bowles cited the mayor's proposal for Roanoke to become Virginia's Festival City to help attract more visitors and conventions, new industries and more jobs.
Pointing to her experience, Bowles has cited her role in several projects that have been started or completed in recent years: a new regional landfill, Williamson Road storm drains, Roanoke River flood-reduction and the conversion of the old Jefferson High School into a performing arts center.
Bowles also has promised to give strong support to city schools if she wins a new term.
The Hotel Roanoke renovation project should remain a top priority for the city, said Bowles. Roanoke needs to strengthen its ties with Virginia Tech with a new highway link and other projects, she said.
Bowles said city officials city must continue to emphasize the renovation of older neighborhoods and adding housing for middle- and higher-income residents as well as low-income people.
She has 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 also pointed to her work on the city's Water Resources Committee, which oversees the city's water supply, sewage treatment plant and real estate issues. She heads the committee.
The city is set to embark on a $30 million expansion of the Carvins Cove water filtration plant and upgrading of its water system. She said this project will create hundreds of jobs.
Keywords:
POLITICS