Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 15)

Race for Roanoke City Council Already Underway As Retiring Incumbent Ensures A New Face

Candidates are preparing for next year’s City Council race as Councilman Bill Bestpitch’s retirement ensures the election of at least one new face.

City Hall

From Tiny Homes to Solar Panels, Changes to Roanoke's Zoning Code Could Have Wide Impact

Whether you’re looking to build a tiny house or install solar panels on your roof, Roanoke City just made it a little easier.

Politics

Voter Turnout Increased in Roanoke. But the City Lags Behind the Rest of Virginia.

Last week’s election prompted a record number of Roanokers to cast ballots for governor. But the city's turnout rates lags behind most localities in Virginia.

Politics

Virginia's Suburbs Shifted Left During the Trump Years. Why Does Roanoke County Remain Staunchly Republican?

Virginians are deciding whether Democrats or Republicans control the governor’s mansion and state House. The vote in the Roanoke Valley seems entirely predictable.

Interview

Antonio Hash on deputy mental health, suicides in the jail, and his vision as Roanoke's next sheriff

This week, we sit down with Antonio Hash, a 13-year veteran of the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office who is running to become the city's next sheriff.

Interview

Donald Caldwell on the failures of criminal justice reform, systemic racism, and his final run for Commonwealth's Attorney

This week, we sit down with Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell, who is running as an independent against Democratic nominee Melvin Hill.

Interview

Melvin Hill on gang violence, drugs, and why he's running for Commonwealth's Attorney

Melvin Hill, the Democratic nominee for Commonwealth's Attorney, did not respond to numerous requests by The Rambler for an interview.

Politics

Scandals swirling around current, former Democratic candidates shake reliable Roanoke voters

“I almost voted for him, but I didn’t,” a voter said about Melvin Hill, the Democratic nominee for Commonwealth's Attorney, who owes federal tax debts.

Interview

Evelyn Powers on running the city's 'bank,' balancing accounts at her father's grocery store, and the tax collector in the Bible

This week, we sit down with Evelyn Powers, who is running as a Democrat to become the city's next treasurer, a post she's held since 2003.

Interview

Ryan LaFountain on modernizing the Commissioner of Revenue, his 'pathological' need to serve, and his love of poutine

This week, we sit down with Ryan LaFountain, who is running as a Democrat to become the city's next Commissioner of the Revenue.