Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler

Politics

Concerns Raised About Creasy Address, Hash-led Operations as Roanoke Sheriff Race Closes

Voters will elect incumbent Sheriff Antonio Hash, a Democrat, or Republican James Creasy next week.

Transportation

Leaders Celebrate, Evaluate Valley Metro at 50-year Mark, as New RFP Issued

Is the city about to hire a new manager for its bus system?

Politics

In Blue and Red Roanoke Valley Districts, Challengers Seek to Disrupt the Expected

Candidates in the Roanoke-related contests are competing amid the attention-seeking blitz of statewide races.

Education

School Funding Task Force To Shape Future As McGuire Joins Sanchez-Jones On Sidelines

City leaders heard about school needs as a group meets privately to discuss the future of local education funding.

Racial justice

Equity Board Grapples With Low Turnout On Proposed Apology

The board is hoping more will attend two upcoming meetings.

City Hall

'Unacceptable': Roanoke City Leaders Say Change Is Needed in Youth Recreation Programs

Some Roanoke leaders say they are frustrated by canceled football games and a critical audit of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

Neighborhoods

Washington Park Cottage Fails To Clinch State Heritage Grant, Stalling Restoration Efforts

The question now is: What's next?

Legal

Roanoke Councilwoman Settles Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Against Downtown Restaurant

The lawsuit says Vivian Sanchez-Jones injured herself seriously when she slipped on a wet floor one evening in May 2022.

City Hall

Roanoke City Manager Eyes Future of Berglund Center's Name — and Operations Overall

City Manager Valmarie Turner said the city's continued subsidy is one reason why she’s taking a thorough look at the facility’s operations.

City Hall

New Roanoke Council Members Eye Rehashing an Old Issue: City's Evans Spring Master Plan

The 150 acres of privately-owned woodlands across from Valley View Mall is the last tract of undeveloped land of its size in the city.

Education

With Malfeasance Issue Closed, Task Force to Dive into Future Roanoke School Funding Matters

The situation was prompted by pointed letters between the city manager and school superintendent in April.

Politics

Roanoke Sheriff Candidate Quietly Retires from Agency, on Road to Loud Campaign

Republican James Creasy has criticized a new inmate center located in the home of GOP Councilman Nick Hagen, who has not endorsed him.

City Hall

Roanoke City Manager Acknowledges Using AI in Writing Inaugural Speech

As AI becomes more prevalent, local governments are among the many workplaces and institutions grappling with how to regulate its use.

City Hall

Roanoke Sheriff Finds Home for Inmate Center — in Building Where Councilman Hagen Lives

Res Ipsa Properties, which includes Nick Hagen and his parents, is renting a part of the building for $3,125 a month.

Neighborhoods

Gainsboro Changes: Major Road Redo Starts, Park Planned

Millions in pandemic relief money will bring new development to an area where much has been discussed over the years.

Housing

Newest Roanoke Council Members Agree to Reassess Controversial Zoning Reforms

The council may act before a scheduled August court hearing on related lawsuits.

Politics

Roanoke Sheriff Candidate Hill Ends Campaign, City Prosecutor Gets Hash Complaint

The race is now between incumbent Democrat Antonio Hash and Republican James Creasy, who worked with Hash on his campaign four years ago.

City Hall

The $64-Million Question: How Will Roanoke End Up Spending Its Pandemic Relief Money?

Roanoke steered the biggest chunks of its pandemic relief money to food, fun and affordable housing.