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Independents, plus Price, will save Mill Mountain

As the Mill Mountain debate continues, both sides should pause and give thanks to J.B. Fishburn for allowing us to have such a debate. Fishburn gave a rare and precious resource to the citizens of Roanoke.

He could have developed it, given it to his heirs or even built his home on the mountaintop. Instead, he chose to build with a view of Mill Mountain, hence the name of his home Mountain View, which was later given to Roanoke.

We are blessed to have had a philanthropist like Fishburn who wanted us to enjoy and share Mill Mountain with other species. He must have envisioned a thriving downtown area, decent jobs, good schools and a beautiful public park, free of commercial development -- our perfect escape from city life.

Unfortunately, we no longer have a Fishburn to insist that the mountaintop be protected by a conservation easement. But we can elect leaders who will work to protect this natural asset. If you want to uphold Fishburn's vision and honor the wishes of his heirs, then vote for David Bowers, Brian Wishneff and Valerie Garner and Democrat Anita Price on Tuesday. To learn more, visit savemillmountain.com.

Elmwood should remain a park

Consider the proposal by David Bowers and Brian Wishneff to build a 2,000- to 3,000-seat amphitheater in Elmwood Park. To fit in so many seats, most of the mature trees and landscaping would have to be removed. The city's Main Library would probably be in the way and have to be razed.

For every big show, multiple tractor-trailers, carrying all the equipment that touring acts bring nowadays, would be positioned around the park for two days or more, blocking traffic lanes. On days without a show, management would keep the entire place locked up tight behind a chain-link fence, or else the expensive stage, restroom and concession facilities might be vandalized.

Elmwood would cease to be downtown's only large green space, mostly replaced by pavement and concrete. And nearly all the events that currently take place in Elmwood Park -- that's several days a week from April to October -- couldn't afford amphitheater rent and would have to find new locations. Are those to be relegated to the parking lot behind the bus station that is laughingly touted as the Railside Amphitheater, as have First Fridays, the Chili Cook-off and other events? If so, watch their attendance plummet.

Lea has helped the community

During this time of political debates, we are hearing and seeing candidates being criticized for one thing or another. How many of the critics have actually had a community concern that they have taken to the local candidates for resolution?

In the past, I didn't really care about politics or voting because I felt that the local candidates were all talk and no action. That changed when I had the opportunity to see Sherman Lea in action with regard to community concerns.

He was instrumental on the task force against domestic violence that created a new domestic violence position at the Department of Social Services and encouraged area domestic violence programs to work more closely together.

He also met with concerned citizens when their street was shot up during two drive-by shootings. He helped them get better lighting on their street as well as get the cause of the shootings removed from their neighborhood.

It was also Lea who came out and met with Northwest tennis players about taking action to get new tennis courts at Eureka Park. Action speaks louder than words and Lea is a man of action. He continues to stand up for the people.

Rosen will help manage growth

My wife, my sons and I have been residents of Roanoke for more than four years now, recruited to the city by Carilion. With enviable climate and geographical location, it is almost a given that the city will continue to prosper into the foreseeable future.

It will be important to elect leaders who understand Roanoke's position, and who can best manage the city's inevitable growth. One such person is Court Rosen, candidate for Roanoke City Council. Rosen is a small-business owner and a resident of Roanoke by choice, who will provide a voice for a balanced, progressive agenda for the city.

Please consider casting a vote for Rosen on Tuesday.

Rosen offers ideas, civility

Most governing bodies likely mirror the diversity of Roanoke City Council, diversity in terms of race, background, interest, flexibility, compassion and passion. It might be appropriate to add another diverse characteristic, arrogance, to council, but that would be unfair to six of the seven members.

While there may be some who believe vile, hateful and just generally unpleasant behavior is productive, most would agree that it's offensive. It may be OK to disagree as long as it's done in a civil and respectful manner. I believe Court Rosen will bring an element of civility and reasonableness to city council.

His small-business background, fresh ideas, youth and deliberative nature will be a tremendous asset that will honor the traditions of the past and the momentum and positive direction in which we're heading. I know him to be a fair and decent man and one who will work hard to understand the issues and citizen concerns in order to make informed decisions.

I am convinced that he will, in all he does, act in the best interest of our great city. Vote for Rosen on Tuesday.

Garst will be a leader for Salem

Each Salem voter has three votes in the upcoming city council election. I urge voters to cast one of those votes for Lisa Garst.

At a recent forum for the candidates, Garst was exceptional in her preparation. She had clear and well-reasoned ideas that were innovative and concrete, and she made it clear that she will be a council member who will be forthcoming in voicing and promoting positive solutions for the betterment of Salem.

As Garst spoke about smart growth, looking for ways to ease our real estate tax burdens and her commitment to our schools and to business, it was apparent that she had done her homework. She knows figures and trends and looks to the future, while appreciating Salem's past and present achievements.

She encourages citizen involvement, but vows to do her own research on the issues before council. As she has gone the extra mile in researching the issues in the campaign, I am confident that she will continue to do so after she is elected. I know she will be a true leader for the citizens of Salem. Please vote for Garst on Tuesday.

We'll gladly swap with the poor oil companies

Let's see. A record $123 billion in net profit by the oil companies last year, or $3,900 per second, 24 hours a day, seven days per week for 52 weeks, plus $13 billion in tax breaks for the "poor" oil companies struggling to survive.

And now President Bush has informed us of the real reason for our tax rebates: another $30 billion or so of tax money to be used as pass-throughs to the oil companies to help us with rising gas prices and oh, yeah, food, too.

Understand, I'm not against reasonable profit. But rape bothers me, especially when it's partially funded by our government and under the guise of help. If Bush really wanted to help, the Department of Labor would protect the workers, not help their employers circumvent the law, and minimum wage would be $10, which is about the least you can make and have any kind of a halfway decent home and life.

And that $600 per person, let's see, that's $1.64 per day, 7 cents per hour, .00117 cents per minute, .00002 cents per second. I feel better already. Don't you?