Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 13)

Overdue Books? No Problem. Roanoke Valley Libraries Aim To Eliminate Late Fines Permanently

Libraries across the Roanoke Valley are preparing to eliminate late fines, making permanent a policy put in place during the pandemic.

City Hall

As Roanoke City Council Appoints Anita Price to Seat, Jockeying Begins for Special Election

Her appointment has prompted jockeying for the special election that will determine Price’s successor.

Education

Two of These Four Applicants Will Serve on Roanoke School Board. City Council Will Decide Soon.

Roanoke City Council on Monday will interview four finalists for the positions.

City Hall

Tax Bills Could Spike As Roanoke Leaders Disagree Over Options To Assess Value of Used Vehicles

Disagreement has broken out among Roanoke leaders over how and whether the city can tweak car tax bills.

Transportation

Debut of Roanoke's Bus Station Heralds Changes to Downtown, Transit System Improvements

The unveiling of Roanoke’s station last week marks the debut of several developments in the city’s public transit scene.

Education

Roanoke School Board To Host New Face As Chair Declines To Seek Reappointment

Roanoke residents interested in serving for a three-year term have until tomorrow to apply.

Politics

Rising Rates of Gun Violence Prompt Republicans To Enter Roanoke City Council Race

Two Republicans cite Roanoke's ongoing issue with gun violence as influencing their decision to run for City Council.

Housing

Facing Diminished Funding, Roanoke Housing Authority Eyes Shift To Section 8 Voucher Model

Roanoke's housing authority is beginning to explore a shift that would allow it to more easily retrofit, demolish and expand housing.

Labor

City Workers Can Unionize In Virginia. In Roanoke, Such Efforts Appear Slow Going, Nonexistent

While teachers and firefighters in Roanoke are taking steps to collectively bargain, there seems little interest for public-sector unions.

Education

Teachers Resigning From Salem Schools Cite School Conditions, Workload As Factor, Report Says

An outside survey at Salem City Schools found low employee turnover, with attrition rates and reasons why teachers leave varying by school.

Politics

Race for Roanoke City Council Already Underway As Retiring Incumbent Ensures A New Face

Candidates are preparing for next year’s City Council race as Councilman Bill Bestpitch’s retirement ensures the election of at least one new face.

City Hall

From Tiny Homes to Solar Panels, Changes to Roanoke's Zoning Code Could Have Wide Impact

Whether you’re looking to build a tiny house or install solar panels on your roof, Roanoke City just made it a little easier.

Politics

Voter Turnout Increased in Roanoke. But the City Lags Behind the Rest of Virginia.

Last week’s election prompted a record number of Roanokers to cast ballots for governor. But the city's turnout rates lags behind most localities in Virginia.

Politics

Virginia's Suburbs Shifted Left During the Trump Years. Why Does Roanoke County Remain Staunchly Republican?

Virginians are deciding whether Democrats or Republicans control the governor’s mansion and state House. The vote in the Roanoke Valley seems entirely predictable.

Interview

Antonio Hash on deputy mental health, suicides in the jail, and his vision as Roanoke's next sheriff

This week, we sit down with Antonio Hash, a 13-year veteran of the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office who is running to become the city's next sheriff.

Interview

Donald Caldwell on the failures of criminal justice reform, systemic racism, and his final run for Commonwealth's Attorney

This week, we sit down with Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell, who is running as an independent against Democratic nominee Melvin Hill.

Interview

Melvin Hill on gang violence, drugs, and why he's running for Commonwealth's Attorney

Melvin Hill, the Democratic nominee for Commonwealth's Attorney, did not respond to numerous requests by The Rambler for an interview.

Politics

Scandals swirling around current, former Democratic candidates shake reliable Roanoke voters

“I almost voted for him, but I didn’t,” a voter said about Melvin Hill, the Democratic nominee for Commonwealth's Attorney, who owes federal tax debts.