Roanoke’s most popular mayor passes gavel to successor
A reception for outgoing Mayor David Bowers and Councilman Court Rosen was held Monday, June 20 in the upper level White Room of Blue 5 restaurant in downtown. The group of approximately 150 attendees included various officials and a host of other local dignitaries who gathered to salute one of the city’s most popular mayors who gave up the gavel after 27 years of unparalleled service.
The two-teared affair also recognized Councilman Court Rosen for eight years of service to the city. He received the “Key to the City” and thanked the citizens for allowing him to serve. He cited his allegiance to family (2 sons and wife Brooke, an attorney) as the major reason for not seeking re-election. Rosen was elected in 2008 at age 29 and was one of the youngest on record to be seated on council.
Vice Mayor David Trinkle presented the outgoing mayor a classically incased gavel from city council members for his 27 years of “outstanding and dedicated public service” to the city.
“David Bowers has been a great mayor for the city, he’s a nice guy, accessible and a friendly face that’s always out in the community because he loves Roanoke,” said councilman Dave Trinkle who presided over the reception and spoke fondly of his longtime colleague who at times was a political adversary.
Trinkle ran as an “independent Democrat” in 2006. He said he would always remember having a “very cordial lunch around that time with Bowers, who said they should be nice to each other because “one day we’ll be working together.” The prediction came to pass as Bowers reclaimed the mayors seat in 2008.
Lofty expressions acknowledging the mayor’s level of dedicated service were conveyed through a special greeting from Senator Tim Kaine that was read by an administrative assistant and raised the caliber of the tribute.
TAP CEO Annette Lewis brought greetings from her organization lifting Rosen for his service. During her comments, Lewis who also sits on Roanoke City School Board, made special mention of Mayor Bowers who shook the hand of every graduate who walked across the stage during the recent commencement exercises for William Fleming and Patrick Henry high schools.
Former Republican Mayor Ralph Smith (2000-2004) praised Bowers and incoming mayor Sherman Lea.
“Let’s all get behind the new mayor, lets put aside politics, whether its one division or another and go forward as we become the leaders of Southwest Virginia.”
During his comments Bowers thanked Smith for his comments of support and also lifted incoming Mayor Sherman Lea.
“He (Lea) is going to be my mayor and a great mayor and we’re going to see great things in Roanoke.
The mayor talked briefly about some of the accomplishments he and council have achieved over the years since his first term in 1998.
“Next year (2017) with Mayor Lea at the helm, Roanoke will be the only city in America to win the All-American City Award 7 times.”
“I remember you when we were neighbors and I knew then that you were going to be somebody important in this city,” said newly elected councilman John Garland who referred to Mayor Bowers as “Mr. Roanoke.”
In closing, Bowers, as one of the city’s most popular mayors (elected four times) referred to a line from a 1992 newspaper article about his first mayoral win which read…“Yesterday a high school dream came true for David Bowers who was selected mayor.” he recalled looking back on one of the many highlights of his career. “So if you’ve ever seen someone who’s had a dream come true, think of me.”
The reception followed the last City Council meeting for the two outgoing members at which Bowers in a bittersweet moment presented the gavel to incoming mayor-elect Sherman Lea who will be officially sworn in during an investiture ceremony Monday, June 27 at 4:pm at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre.
Mayor Lea, as the second African American to hold the position in the city’s history will be joined by Councilwoman Anita Price, Roanoke’s first African American woman elected vice-mayor.
Other members to be sworn in to council during the service are John Garland and Michelle Dykstra.
