Deltas, NAACP host virtual candidate forum
by Robyn A. Forbes
The last day to vote in the Virginia primary election is June 8, and aside from gubernatorial and lieutenant governor offices there are also local offices up for grabs. Roanoke residents, on April 27, got the opportunity to hear from some of those seeking to serve at both the state and local levels courtesy of the Political Awareness and Social Action Committee of Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae local chapter. WFXR reporter Alexandria Savage moderated the Facebook Live event which was entirely virtual.
The forum opened with a round of statements from candidates running for lieutenant governor: Sam Rasoul, Sean Perryman, Xavier Warren, Hala Ayala and Andria McClellan. Candidates for governor, Lee Carter and Princess Blanding were also in the mix. Carter, a Marine Corps veteran, is running on a platform of worker’s compensation, mass pardons for those incarcerated on charges of marijuana possession and record expunging, among other things.
Blanding, an educator and community activist, stepped into the political lane after her brother was shot and killed by a Richmond police officer in May 2018. Records show at the time of the altercation with police he was undressed and experiencing a mental crisis.
“My candidacy is out of necessity,” Blanding said. Some of her platform priorities include public safety, criminal justice reform, and racial justice.
After closing statements from these candidates the forum shifted to those seeking local offices, such as attorney Melvin Hill who is campaigning for Roanoke’s commonwealth’s attorney. Hill has served as assistant commonwealth’s attorney in the past and resigned from his position as a substitute judge in order to run for office.
Throughout the forum Hill highlighted his commitment to “community oriented prosecution.” One major talking point for the candidate centered around his belief in comprehensive addiction treatment as opposed to incarceration for drug offenders. Hill’s candidacy comes on the heels of Virginia legislatures’ decision to legalize possession of marijuana beginning July 1, 2021.
When asked, he also shared his views on qualified immunity.
“I am of the opinion…to eliminate or do away with qualified immunity and have police officers treated just like everyone else who makes a mistake in connection with their employment.”
Ryan LaFountain, candidate for commissioner of revenue, took the opportunity to share his hope to modernize the office by making it easier for businesses in Roanoke to file taxes and file for business licensing.
Antonio Hash and Lee Hill are both running for city sheriff. Each of the men have extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, Hash with13 years and Hill with upwards of 25. During the discussion both expressed their support for restoration of civil rights to ex-felons.
Hill shared his intentions of increasing sheriff’s office staffing and doing the work to retain new hires including raising police pay. In response to a question concerning civilian treatment, racism in law enforcement and law enforcement’s relationship with the media, Hill championed transparency.
“You can’t hide behind curtains in law enforcement,”he said. “It doesn’t work.”
Evelyn Powers, candidate for city treasurer, shared her perspective of the city treasury office as a resource for young people looking to acquire entry level workplace skills as well as the importance of diversity within the office as a tool for effectively serving all Roanoke residents.
All candidates running for office in Virginia were invited to participate in the forum. Those on the ballot who were not present declined participation mainly due to scheduling conflicts.
May 17 is the last day to register to vote. Visit www.elections.virginia.gov for information on how to register and where to cast your ballot.
