by S. Rotan Hale
A small group of local news reporters were summoned Monday, Nov. 9, to the office of Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers who announced his impending retirement.
Mayor Bowers was his usual jovial self, telling several amusing stories before the bittersweet announcement that took several by surprise.
“In 6 months Roanokers will go to the polls to elect a new mayor. For the first time in 6 mayoral elections, I’ve decided not to be a candidate,” he announced in a somber tone slightly tinged with resignation.
The Roanoke native has had his eye on being mayor since he was a student at Patrick Henry High School.Now at 63, the longtime Democrat has been a major figure on the local political scene for decades–24 on city council and 16 as mayor.
“I was the rookie back in the 1980s and ’90s,” he said and further noted that he had won 4 of the last 6 mayoral elections.
Bowers rose from a seat on City Council, elected in 1984 which led to his first term as mayor in ’92. He was defeated by Republican Ralph Smith in 2000 but won the next 2 elections against Nelson Harris (2008) and Republican Mark Lucas (2012).
As a local attorney, Bowers continued his private practice while serving as mayor, Roanoke’s longest to hold that position, second only to Noel C. Taylor (1975-1992).
Bowers has always been viewed by most as a warm, jovial and approachable man with a soft sense of humor–qualities that allowed him to connect well with people as the “friendly mayor.”
During a (sort of) State-of-the-City address the mayor read from prepared notes, a lengthy list of accomplishments he’s been a part of since in office.
“I didn’t rebuild Hotel Roanoke, the people did. I didn’t get the crime rate down, people did,” he touted referring to it all as a cooperative effort.
Among his list of developments achieved on his watch were: the Greenway Project, City Market Building renovation; construction of two new high schools; upgrades to public libraries and city parks–particularly Elmwood Park; national accreditation of Police, Sheriff, Fire and EMS departments and the list went on.
He mentioned the incredible growth of Pearl Fu’s Local Colors and spoke proudly of Roanoke being “the only 6-time All-America City in the nation.”
The mayor also spoke of several significant (completed and proposed) road and bridge developments that significantly improve mobility for area residents.
His announcement also included several proposed projects as Ice Hockey in Elmwood Park, a summer youth job initiative (2016) and the push to bring Amtrak passenger rail service to Roanoke.
“I have this thing about cutting ribbons and I’d like to be around to cut that one,” he said.
To questions regarding future political plans and his law practice, he responded “I have lots of options and have just not made another decision… When the good Lord shuts a door he always opens a window.”
Former State Senator
Among those in the room was former state Senator Granger Mcfarlane, who when asked whether he would run for the mayor’s seat, simply said in a pensive tone, “I’m considering it.”
In a crowning moment the mayor said humbly, “I’ve had a great career here representing the people of Roanoke and I say sincerely that I hope they believe that I’ve brought honor and dignity to this position.”
Regardless to his political future many will agree that Mayor Bowers leaves a solid legacy as the kind of mayor that made most residents proud to be Roanokers.
