Monday, April 28, 2008
Vote for business in Salem and Roanoke
From the RoundTable blog
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Michael Pace
Pace is the managing partner at the law firm of Gentry Locke Rakes and Moore. He is also the chairman of the Business Leadership Fund.
The upcoming elections in Roanoke and Salem will prove to be among the most important in those cities' histories. The choices citizens make on May 6 will chart the future course for these cities and the whole region.
Five candidates are vying for three seats on the Salem City Council. The winners will participate in appointing a new mayor.
There are four candidates for mayor and seven candidates for three seats on the Roanoke City Council. Whoever is elected, change will occur. The question is, who among them will facilitate positive, sustainable change?
Roanoke and Salem are different in size, demographics and philosophy. Roanoke is an urban center with a concentration of businesses, services and cultural amenities that serve as the hub of the region. Salem is known for its community spirit (justifiably called Salem Pride) and for its successful sports marketing program and school system.
These cities also share similarities. Each is landlocked, complicating traditional economic development efforts and growth. Both must modernize their infrastructures, support existing businesses, fund vital services, address the needs of an aging population, and attract and retain new people and jobs that create sustainable population growth and the opportunities it brings.
These are serious challenges, and citizens should insist on community leaders who rise above petty politics and unjustified objection to change, inspire public dialogue on significant issues, cooperate with other municipalities in the region to improve our global competitiveness, and chart a course toward something we all should want.
The Business Leadership Fund has evaluated every viable candidate willing to be interviewed for these elections.
Of the candidates in Roanoke, the BLF supports the re-election of Mayor Nelson Harris and Sherman Lea, and the election of Court Rosen. These candidates have compelling ideas about how Roanoke can improve downtown and the historic market district, create amenities that will attract and retain people here, and promote economic development.
They are also most able to transcend the current negative political climate and are willing to consider alternate views and challenge the vocal minority opposed to innovative thinking. In particular, Rosen provides a new voice and fresh perspective for younger residents that will help shape the future of Roanoke.
The BLF believes the election of Harris, Lea and Rosen offers the best opportunity to move Roanoke forward.
In Salem, the BLF believes the re-election of Jane Johnson will provide stability and experience as Salem works through a period of transition.
The BLF also endorses Billy Jones and Lisa Garst for election to council. Like Johnson, they are small business owners who understand the need for Salem to support existing businesses and attract new ones, strategically plan for the development or preservation of Salem's remaining limited land, work cooperatively with other local governments on issues of regional importance, and continue the city's impressive track record in education and sports marketing that bring people to the area.
The BLF is a pro-business political action committee committed to identifying, promoting and providing financial support for effective, progressive, pro-business candidates for elected positions in local government in the Roanoke Valley. It will continue to support candidates who understand the fundamental importance of enhancing our region's competitiveness, diversifying our economic base and promoting regional cooperation.
