Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 13, 1992 TAG: 9203130453
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Republican Willis Anderson argued that he has the background and experience, while Democrat David Bowers countered that he has the energy and an economic development plan.
A former mayor, Anderson said he could do a good job of representing the city because he's done it before and he realizes its importance.
"I think I could do it better this time after the seasoning I've had," said Anderson, who was mayor from 1960 to 1962.
"I can deal with business people and decision-makers. I know what they want to hear, and I know what Roanoke has to offer."
Bowers, a councilman for eight years, countered that he is the only candidate who has released a policy paper on economic development.
Trying to dispel the notion that he is anti-business because of his strong labor union support, Bowers said he is "pro-business and pro-growth."
The mayoral hopefuls and five candidates for three council seats appeared together at a forum sponsored by the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League. The meeting attracted a standing-room-only crowd of more than 250 people.
For the most part, there was little exchange between the candidates because the format allowed each to make a five-minute opening statement and then answer questions only from the audience.
Some of the most pointed queries focused on Bowers' preference for local construction workers to be hired on projects that are financed in part with city funds.
"If we are going to spend taxpayers' money on projects, it should not be sent to Mexico and North Carolina," Bowers said.
Bowers said he preferred that construction jobs on such projects as the Hotel Roanoke renovation be filled by local workers. He said many construction workers from the Roanoke Valley have to travel to other states to find jobs.
Union leaders, who strongly supported Bowers for the Democratic nomination, have complained that many out-of-town workers were hired for the Dominion Tower project, which was financed in part with city money.
Councilman James Harvey, a Democrat who says he won't support Bowers, asked from the audience whether state procurement laws would permit what Bowers is suggesting. Bowers said council can give preference to contractors who hire local workers for city-financed projects.
Anderson agreed that the city can give preference to contractors who use local workers if other things are equal, but the city can't tell contractors who to hire.
Anderson questioned what Bowers meant when he said earlier that he was going "to take back city hall" and give it to the people. Anderson said all the people in city hall are either appointed by the city manager, council or independently elected officials.
"I don't know who is left," Anderson said. Bowers did not respond to Anderson's comments.
The candidates for the three council seats addressed a broad range of issues - from crime to schools and tourism.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles, a Republican seeking her fifth term, pointed to her experience.
Bowles said the recession and cuts in state aid for localities have combined to create financial problems for Roanoke and most other localities. She said there are two ways to generate tax revenues: a stronger economic development program and more emphasis on tourism. She supports both.
James Trout, a Democrat and former councilman, cited his role in helping to develop the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology, a city-owned industrial park.
Trout said he also supports more emphasis on tourism and downtown development.
Beverly Lambert, a Republican making her first try for elected office, said city officials should do more to help nourish and expand existing businesses as well as recruit new industries.
Renee Anderson, 28, a Democrat making her first try for public office, said what makes her different is not her age or gender, but her "youthful energy and an uncluttered civic mind."
Delvis "Mac" McCadden, a Republican also seeking office for the first time, wants the city to provide more money for the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. The city now contributes a "paltry amount of $160,000" for the bureau, he said.
The other Democratic candidate, Councilman Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr., who is seeking a second term, was ill and did not attend the meeting.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB