Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Editorial: Difficult votes remain; controversy shouldn't
Roanoke will soon have new council members. Unlike in the past, continuity should accompany the change.
From the RoundTable blog
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In a few short weeks, the dynamics on Roanoke City Council will shift yet again, a biennial rite in a city that churns council members nearly as often as it once hired consultants.
Yet, the change this time represents stability. While Councilwoman Gwen Mason and Councilman Rupert Cutler will no longer serve in those roles come July 1, it was by their choice, not the voters'. Their elected replacements, Bill Bestpitch and Ray Ferris, share similar viewpoints on most matters.
So unlike previous election years, in which newcomers rode to office on perceived mandates to undo the work of their predecessors, a refreshing period of continuity is likely.
Which doesn't mean council will gather round the campfire to sing a verse or two of "Kumbaya" before declaring controversy forever dead in Roanoke. Hardly.
In fact, before Mason and Cutler's exit, the current council has two difficult decisions to make that will have an enduring effect on the city. One involves Mill Mountain, the other would allow street vendors.
Council will agree to place a protective easement over much of the iconic mountain to keep its slopes free from the hand of development except -- and here's where difficulty creeps in -- for its top.
Excluded from the easement will be the zoo, the star, the discovery center, to which all agree. But what of a tiny, relatively flat parcel near the northwest overlook that commands a great view of the valley, but can also be seen from below? This is the parcel on which Rockledge once rose and could be resurrected.
We would like to see this piece included in the easement. But council, for now, is not too sure. It will listen to what the public has to say on June 21 before voting, a decision not likely to be revisited.
Also that evening, council will decide whether street vendors can sell their wares on downtown streets and in parks. Should they be restricted to parks? Permitted on the City Market? Banned from downtown entirely? Good arguments can be made on any side of this issue.
Whatever council decides, it should abide by the votes when new members join the body. Council seems finally to understand that issues became controversial, not so much for the topic, but for the manner in which they were ineptly presented, debated and decided.
The new council would do well to build on that comprehension.
