Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 4)

Embattled Roanoke Council Candidate Could Still Be Elected As Democratic Nominee

Despite last week announcing his withdrawal from the race, Jamaal Jackson has not given formal notice to elections officials about the June 18 contest.

Politics

Roanoke Council Candidate Drops Out Weeks Before Primary Amid Review of 'Questionable' Voter Signatures

A week after city officials received a complaint alleging an illegal campaign act, Jamaal Jackson said he is dropping out.

Interview

Who Are the Democratic Candidates for Roanoke City Council? We Asked Them 4 Questions.

Following Jamaal Jackson’s sudden departure from the City Council race, we introduce you to Democratic candidates Terry McGuire, Phazhon Nash and Benjamin Woods.

Politics

Future Roanoke City Manager Becomes Flash Point in Campaign for City Council

Democrats and Republicans running for City Council are encouraging incumbents to hold off on picking Bob Cowell’s permanent successor.

Education

Late School Bus Issue Prompts Roanoke School Board To Change Schedule, Again

Despite hiring a new company to operate buses, the district says more changes are needed to prevent hundreds of students from arriving late to class each day.

City Hall

Roanoke City Manager Cowell Resigns. Here's What Led Up To It.

In the wake of toxic workplace claims, City Manager Bob Cowell resigned and Council installed Mayor Sherman Lea as an acting city manager.

Politics

Roanoke City Councilman Priddy To Resign Next Month, Move to Northern Virginia

Priddy made the announcement 18 months into a Council term left vacant by disgraced former councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr.

Education

Roanoke Changes School Funding Policy, Which District Fears Could Cost It Millions

City Council said the change will allow for flexibility in spending taxpayer money, while school officials decried it as harmful.

City Hall

Roanoke City Council Decides To Keep Property Taxes Steady After Vice Mayor Floats Rate Cut

City Council members on Monday rebuffed any effort to reduce property taxes this year, but expressed sympathy with exploring that option in the future.

Housing

Roanoke Homeowners Sue City Over Policy Ending Exclusively Single-Family Zoning

A mayoral candidate and a former city attorney are among the dozen plaintiffs asking a Roanoke judge to invalidate the law.

City Hall

Roanoke Treasurer Postpones Retirement To Avoid Potential Special Election This Year

Tasha Burkett, who became chief deputy in March, says she intends to run for the office next year as an independent.

City Hall

Roanoke Demotes Assistant City Manager. Officials Won't Say Why.

Brent Robertson, who also served as finance director, was stripped of his titles just as city leaders are finalizing a $379-million budget.

Transportation

As Roanoke City Expands Bike Lanes, Cyclists See Room for Improvement

Roanoke officials want to build streets that are safe for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. But the city's progress does not always meet best practices.

Politics

Republicans Enter Roanoke City Council Races As Priddy Stuns Party Leaders By Bowing Out

Luke Priddy won't seek reelection, while Nick Hagen and Jim Garrett are vying to become the first Republicans on Council in decades.

Transportation

'A Perfect Storm': Roanoke Bus System Has Major Financial Control Issues, Audits Find

An auditor described one finding that Valley Metro failed to pay contractors who built the new transit center on time as 'a big deal.'

Education

Roanoke Has Long Given 40 Percent of Local Taxes to Schools. That Could Change.

Roanoke City Council members say the city has pressing needs that could benefit from more flexibility with any end-of-year surplus.

Housing

Roanoke Ends Single-Family-Only Zoning in Bid for More Housing, Diversity

Roanoke joins cities in Virginia and across the country that are rolling back single-family-only zoning in favor of more dense housing.

Politics

Roanoke Mayor’s Race Gets Crowded As Moon Reynolds, Bowers Challenge Cobb

A victory for any would be historic — Moon Reynolds as Roanoke's first female mayor, Cobb as its first openly gay mayor and Bowers for the sheer precedent of a fifth term.