Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 8)

Suetterlein Beats White-Boyd, Becoming Roanoke City's First Republican State Senator in Decades

Roanoke City had long been represented in the Senate by a Democrat, Sen. John Edwards, who was elected in 1995 and opted to retire.

Neighborhoods

Historic District for Roanoke's Norwich Neighborhood Prompts Excitement, Wariness

The plan has prompted enthusiasm and skepticism among some residents, bubbling up fears about changes to the quiet, close-knit neighborhood.

Politics

Roanoke City Lags Region, Virginia in Early Voting As Residents Look To Election

The city’s relative lag in early voting could be a troublesome sign for Democrats, though other theories could explain the low rate.

Policing

'We Will Reduce Crime': New Roanoke Police Chief Vows To Turn Tide of Gun Violence

Scott Booth was sworn in as Roanoke suffers from high rates of gun violence and a department hampered by low morale.

City Hall

Roanoke Can Evict Boxing Gym From City-Owned Building After Lease Expired, Judge Rules

When the lease ended, the city had sought proposals for the former fire station, which is in need of significant repairs.

Neighborhoods

Claytor Family Makes New Bid For City To Buy Gainsboro Clinic Property, Which Council Rejects

The rejection marks an about-face by Roanoke city officials, who in 2021 began negotiating with Claytor family about buying the property.

Interview

David Suetterlein, Roanoke Area State Senate Candidate, on Tax Relief, Abortion Limits, and Working with Democrats

Suetterlein was elected to the Virginia Senate in 2015 and previously served as legislative director for former state senator Ralph Smith.

Interview

Trish White-Boyd, Roanoke Area State Senate Candidate, on Car Taxes, Electric Vehicles, and Protecting Abortion Access

White-Boyd was elected to Roanoke City Council in 2020 and has served as vice mayor.

Politics

Senate Candidate White-Boyd Rejects Transphobia Claim After Roanoke Brewery Cancels Event

The campaign said White-Boyd's invocation of “parental rights” may have led to some confusion.

City Hall

Amid Construction Projects, Roanoke City Realizes Crossing Railroad Tracks Will Cost It

The city intends to pay to cross railroad tracks on which rail enthusiasts hope to run a tourist-attracting excursion train.

Gun violence

After Audit, Roanoke City Council Scrutinizes Gun Violence Panel Membership

The mayor says he wants to see more citizens with a law enforcement background serve on the commission.

Education

Late Buses, Driver Shortages Persist As Roanoke School District Eyes New Contract

Hundreds of Roanoke school children still aren’t getting to class on time because of Durham School Services staff shortages, district says.

City Hall

New Roanoke City Law May Impact Panhandling. Just Don’t Call It Panhandling.

“I have ran out of patience with these people loitering and what they’re doing,” Mayor Sherman Lea said about those in street medians.

Policing

Roanoke Police Department Has Suffered From Many Vacancies, Leadership Discord, Report Says

Report says police department must address why "some employees may be leaving the agency to escape a toxic work environment."

Policing

Despite Expanded Summer Youth Curfew, Roanoke Police Issued No Citations, Chief Says

Council advocated for an expanded curfew this summer to prevent youth from being the victims or offenders of gun violence.

Neighborhoods

Roanoke City Struggles To Retain Neighborhood Liaison, With Fourth Hire in Five Years

Some who served in the position felt their advocacy for neighborhoods and residents conflicted with the city’s position on issues.

Education

Roanoke Schools Switch Up Bus Routes As Issues with Contractor Durham Persist

A driver for Durham said the school district’s routes “look perfect” on paper, but they don’t account for traffic, stop lights or other realities of the road.

Policing

Why Danville Police Chief Scott Booth Wants To Become Roanoke's Next Top Cop

Booth is a finalist for the position vacant since former chief Sam Roman became an assistant city manager in July.