Engaged residents, community leaders and business owners all gathered at the Melrose Library on July 11 to hear where the qualified city council candidates stand on a variety of issues, ranging from government accountability to affordable housing.
Hosted by the Roanoke Rambler and moderated by Ollie Howie and Victor Banks, the participants were Danni Clawson (D), Dave Bowers (I), Harvey Brookins (D), Kathy Cohen (I), Peter Volosin (D), Raekwon Moore (D), Stephanie Moon-Reynolds (I) and Vivian Sanchez-Jones (D).
Bowers attended the debate virtually. Republican Amanda Marko did not participate.
Rambler subscribers were encouraged to submit questions in advance. The candidates were given equal time to respond to every question asked.
On why people should trust her with their vote, Clawson said, “Growing up, my family considered politics our favorite sport. I’ve always been civically engaged. My time with Georgia Equality, a statewide LBGTQ advocacy organization, taught me the extent and scope of voter suppression.”
Bowers, a private practice lawyer, has publicly stated, “As a Republican candidate, my campaign is fueled by a deep commitment to our community’s values and priorities, steering clear of narrow political agendas.”
A core priority for Brookins is helping Roanoke become a robust economy. “For more than 30 years, I’ve built a career in banking, helping individuals, families and businesses make sound financial decisions to grow and prosper. My commitment to Roanoke extends well beyond my profession.”
Cohen understands that whoever serves on the council not only votes on the city’s annual budget, but also sets tax rates and regulates zoning, among other things.
“One of the reasons I decided to throw my hat in the ring is because I was really upset when the city council took $14 million away from our children and their public schools,” she said. “The reality is that led to 160 staff cuts. That means our children who are having emotional issues are unlikely to see a counselor in a timely manner. I believe in all of us working as one.”
How community resources should be allocated was another topic the candidates sparred over.
“I had a mother who was a teacher, and she always taught me that education opens doors. And when they open, you should open them for others. Learning how to speak truth to power is something I have learned how to do. Everything that we accomplish on city council should be evidence-based,” Volosin said.
When it comes to public education, Moore believes that it can be improved significantly. “I am somebody who grew up on Hanover Avenue right down the street. I was a true library kid. Megan Mizak, an awesome librarian, was the first person to sign my petition for city council,” he said. “I want to focus on building the infrastructure of this city by focusing on what matters the most to people.”
Moon-Reynolds says her campaign is centered around putting Roanoke first through experience and service. “So much noise happens every election season. True leadership, however, isn’t defined by campaign promises. It is defined by ongoing service and steady action,” she said.
Since 2020, Sanchez-Jones has been a Roanoke councilmember. “Serving in this capacity has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said. “I have pushed for higher wages for our First Responders, helped to find stability for our unhoused community and been accessible to the people that I serve.”
This batch of city council candidates comprises a former Roanoke mayor, a bank executive, the Director of the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition, a Temple Emanuel Rabbi Emerita, a realtor, a mental health worker and an education specialist.
Whoever is ultimately appointed to the city council will come down to the voters. Constituents are encouraged to visit the candidates’ respective websites to learn more information.
On July 23 at 7 p.m., the Roanoke City Democratic Committee will sponsor a City Council Democratic Debate at the Unitarian Church of Roanoke.
