Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 20, 1993 TAG: 9309050278
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LARRY MORGAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Consolidation defeated
Roanoke, Nov. 1, 1994 - The proposal to divide Roanoke County between Roanoke city and Salem was defeated today by a margin of 5-1 in Roanoke County. The same measure passed 20-1 in the city. Mayor David Bowers vowed to continue to push for consolidation, saying: ``County residents must be made to share our vision for the future: One government, under Bowers, with taxation and spending for all.''
Consultant hired by city
Roanoke, Jan. 2, 1995 - Mayor David Bowers of Roanoke today announced the hiring of merger maven and ex-con Michael Milken to lead consolidation efforts. Said the mayor, ``Mike brings a wealth of merger knowledge and experience to this job. We expect great things from him. Maybe this will convince the county that we mean business.''
Bowers promises economic prosperity with consolidation
Roanoke, Jan. 10, 1997 - Mayor Bowers today told reporters that a major U.S. corporation is prepared to move its headquarters to Roanoke ``if only those blockheads in the county would agree to consolidation.'' The mayor would not reveal the name of the corporation.
City fires consolidation chief
Roanoke, July 12, 1997 - Roanoke city today fired consolidation chief Michael Milken. The mayor, in a terse announcement, called Milken ``soft on consolidation.'' The mayor also hinted that negotiations are under way to find a replacement for Milken.
New consolidation consultant found
Roanoke, Aug. 1, 1997 - The Roanoke Times & World-News learned today that the city of Roanoke has hired former Serbian chief Slobodan Milosevic to consult with the city on consolidation. Sources close to the mayor said ``Milosevic is an expert in hostile takeovers, and has experience dealing with Bosnianized governments.''
Roanoke begins police buildup
Roanoke, Sept. 1, 1997 - Citing dangers to its sovereignty from other municipalities in the valley, Roanoke's mayor today announced the beginning of a massive buildup in the police force. The mayor had no comment when asked to explain why the city of Roanoke was placing recruitment ads in ``Soldier of Fortune'' magazine.
City invades county
Bent Mountain, May 1, 1998 - Today, in a surprise move, land forces of the city of Roanoke invaded Roanoke County. Led by Field Marshall David ``Blitzkrieg'' Bowers, city forces racked up easy gains on the manicured lawns and playgrounds of suburban areas of the county, but encountered stiff resistance in the more rugged outlying regions. According to Bowers, ``We are sorry to resort to this tactic, but the people of the county have stubbornly resisted all appeals to logic. Once our troops have the county pacified, I'm sure the residents will be overjoyed to be my subjects, er ... make that the city residents.''
\ Larry Morgan works at General Electric in Salem and is a Roanoke County resident.
by CNB