Monday, March 31, 2008
Editorial: One council seat isn't the only race in town
Residents who want a say in local government need to make sure they are eligible to vote.
From the RoundTable blog
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The law is what it is and must be followed even when it doesn't make much sense. Such will be the case today when Roanoke City Council appoints a member of the community to join them on council for the next two years.
When Alfred Dowe resigned last month, council expected to allow voters to select his replacement. Virginia law, a judge ruled, says differently; council must fill the vacancy.
Thankfully, council winnowed the list of office-seekers to four fine candidates, any of whom would most likely serve the city well.
Still, there is something unsettling about a process that places the power to name the people's representative solely in the hands of the mayor and council. The qualities they seek in a colleague might be different than those voters would prefer.
Although council wisely invited Roanokers to be part of a very public process in filling this spot, residents still might feel somewhat disenfranchised. Fortunately, they have an opportunity to put that feeling to good use, but only if they are registered to vote.
This is municipal election season. Mayor Nelson Harris' term will soon expire. He seeks re-election. Three candidates -- David Bowers, Anita Powell and George Sgouros -- wish to unseat him.
Also, seats currently held by Councilmen Sherman Lea, Brian Wishneff and Bev Fitzpatrick are opening up. Lea and Wishneff are on the ballot, along with challengers Dale Edmonston, Valerie Garner, Anita Price and Court Rosen. (Fitzpatrick sought but lost the Democratic Party's nomination.)
The choices are plentiful and the contrast between some candidates is quite stark, giving Roanokers an opportunity to say what direction they wish the city to head. But only if they are eligible to vote.
Not much time is left. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. April 7.
Residents in other towns, from Vinton to Blacksburg to Rocky Mount to Radford and elsewhere, should also pay attention to the deadline. Roanokers aren't the only ones with competitive races.
Remember, the law is what it is: You don't register, you don't vote.
