In less than 50 days, voters will decide who will serve on city council. The importance of who holds that power cannot be overstated. Along with approving how budget funds get allocated, councilmembers also regulate community development through zoning laws and monitor city departments, among other things.
A great way for a contender running for local office to take the pulse of what matters to the community is to speak directly to voters whenever an opportunity presents itself. That chance happened on Sept. 12 at the Claude Moore Education Complex.
Hosted by the Roanoke Branch NAACP, the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the candidate forum gave five individuals vying for a council seat a platform to make their case and distinguish themselves from their contemporaries.
In alphabetical order, the participants were Amanda Marko, Danni Clawson, Dave Bowers, Raekwon Moore and Stephanie Moon-Reynolds.
During the discussion, the candidates were asked a variety of questions, including what will be their priorities, if elected.
Bowers says he’s in favor of “repealing the zoning mess and bringing back the law that worked.” The same goes for reinstating the school funding formula that was defunded.
The way that Clawson sees it, affordable housing, better education opportunities and government transparency should be Roanoke’s top priorities.
Fully funding the local school system, making sure that every bus stop has a bench and providing better community infrastructure are priorities for Moore.
Marko passionately believes that “Roanoke’s bright future will come from strengthening what already makes it special: supporting small businesses, investing in public safety and understanding that economic opportunity starts within the schools.”
If elected, Moon-Reynolds says she will continue working hard to ensure that every neighborhood has the potential to prosper and feel safe.
“We thank the NAACP Youth Council members for their efforts, our moderators and most importantly, the community members who showed up,” said the Roanoke Branch NAACP in a statement. “Forums like these provide an opportunity for voters to hear directly from those seeking to serve our community and reinforce the importance of being informed and engaged in the electoral process.”
They continued, “When organizations come together with a shared commitment to civic engagement, education, and empowerment, our entire community benefits.”
Voters are encouraged to visit the candidates’ respective websites to learn more before Election Day on November 3. Follow them at:
www.bowers4roanoke.com, www.moore4roanoke.com, www.clawsonforcouncil.com, www.moon4roanoke.com and www.amandamarko.com.
