by Shawn Nowlin
For those who have been paying attention, the race for three city council seats in November has been constantly evolving.
The hotly contested race now features nine individuals: Harvey Brookins, Peter Volosin, Kathy Cohen, Amanda Marko, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Danny Clawson, Raekwon Moore, Stephanie Moon-Reynolds and Dave Bowers.
The latter two names, both running as Independents, recently entered the race. Both understand that many in the community have questions and it is their responsibility to answer them. While the cost of living is a top concern to some, for others, it’s decreasing local violence.
Moon Reynolds, elected to Council in 2020 as an Independent candidate and later a 2024 mayoral candidate brings 42 years of municipal government experience and four years of service on Roanoke City Council.
She will outline her campaign vision and priorities during a press conference on Monday, May 25, at the historic Fishburn Mansion located at 714 13th Street in SW Roanoke.
Bowers was involved in Roanoke politics in the 1990s, 2000s and the 2010s.
“My political path in Roanoke began with an eight-year stint on the city council in 1984,” he wrote on his website. “I then served as Roanoke City Mayor from 1992 to 2000 and returned for another term from 2008 to 2012.”
After graduating from Patrick Henry High School, Bowers studied at Belmont Abbey College and Loyola University New Orleans. He later earned a master’s in liberal arts from Hollins University.
In the 2024 mayoral race against Joe Cobb, he lost by just 29 votes. If elected to the city council, Bowers says his main priorities will be economic development, fiscal stewardship and public safety.
When Moon-Reynolds worked as a Roanoke City Clerk for nearly four decades, she coordinated council business and managed municipal records, among other tasks. Over her accomplished career in the department, she held every possible position.
Running under the theme “Putting Roanoke First Through Experience and Service,” Moon Reynolds said her campaign would focus on: Experienced leadership, Responsive government and Service to the citizens of Roanoke.
Roanoke’s homeless population has grown in recent years. Moon-Reynolds believes that more support services should be available to empower people to reintegrate into society.
“Addressing homelessness is critical,” she said in a previous interview. “We all must prioritize collaboration. By engaging community members in these efforts, we will foster a supportive environment and create lasting change.”
“My campaign is fueled by a deep commitment to our community’s values and priorities, steering clear of narrow political agendas,” Bowers explained. “As mayor, I spearheaded significant projects like the reopening of the Hotel Roanoke, the return of Amtrak passenger rail service and the development of the Elmwood Park amphitheater.”
Both challengers say they are deeply committed to Roanoke and plan on using their vast experience to better the city for everyone.
When Election Day comes on Nov. 3, voters will have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of local government.
