It was former Virginia Governor Doug Wilder, the country’s first African American to serve in the role since Reconstruction, who once said, “A boat doesn’t go forward in politics if the people in it are rowing their own way.”
That sentiment rang true Sept. 21 in Roanoke, where a divided city council was met with concerned residents wanting transparency. Given all that has happened in recent weeks, it should have come as no surprise that the gathering was so well attended. It began at 7 p.m. with a unified prayer. By the time things concluded nearly three hours later, multiple people were given an opportunity to speak their mind.
Women being held to different standards, more accountability from elected officials and better transparency were among the issues brought up. Every council member — Mayor Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor Terry McGuire, Nick Hagen, Phazhon Nash, Evelyn Powers, Vivian Sanchez-Jones and Peter Volosin — was present.
Last Monday marked the first council meeting since a contentious land deal at the Wood Haven Technology Park came to light. As of now, the location is being evaluated as a possible site for a data center facility. Regardless of municipal lines, some urge council to oppose the project entirely. Others have a different perspective.
Earlier this month, McGuire and Nash attended a board meeting then addressed the matter on social media afterwards. Tensions between McGuire and City Manager Valmarie Turner ensued.
To clarify the council’s oversight role, McGuire noted that at least four colleagues must approve the measure before the agreement gets finalized.
“Many residents have reached out voicing concerns about the future of Wood Haven. Constituents have asked about council’s role by the Western Virginia Industrial Facility Authority given our 44.2 percent stake,” he wrote. “Despite misinformation to the contrary, no effort can proceed without council’s support.”
Cobb has called that public exchange a violation of council procedure. The next steps will be determined by the council. A verbal reprimand, fines, removal from committee assignments as well as other disciplinary actions are all on the table.
“Prioritizing the best interest of the entire community over personal or political gain is the standard we committed to when we took our oath of office and signed City Council’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. However, in their zeal to promote personal causes, the Vice Mayor and a council member have allowed their activism to override their governance responsibilities,” Cobb said.
He added, “Council members should offer their unique perspectives on issues, and are free to make personal statements, but they do not have the legal authority to speak for Council as a whole.”
Kate Wooley, a longtime community volunteer, attended Monday’s meeting.
“I want to talk about the collective bargaining proposal that came before you,” she said. “You have to wear two hats during these types of negotiations. That of a governing body and that of an employer. A governing body that admits, in any case, that it does not want to speak to its citizens and employers as an equal, is in a dire state indeed.”
“To expect politicians to agree on everything is unrealistic,” one attendee said before adding, “Wanting them to always do what’s in the best interest of the community shouldn’t be too much to ask.”
Roanoke City Council meets twice every month in Room 450 at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. On the first Monday, meetings are held at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. On the third Monday, meetings are held at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
