Roanoke City Council cares nothing about the needs, wishes and wants of the residents of this city, as history proves. Tuesday’s vote using inflated revenue numbers to promote more unneeded hotels at Valley View Mall proves that point.

Historic trends, as well as my own prognostication, predicted this would be the outcome, and both were true to form. The “For The City” council stayed true to its commitment to the city, but not to its residents.

City council has simply forgotten the concept: government of the people, by the people, for the people. Instead, it is government of big business, by big business and for big business, which is nothing short of status quo, and is well in line with recent trends.

It is time to take our city back from those who ignore the wishes of the residents and place revenue at all costs before the needs of the taxpaying voter.

I will have to say thanks to council members Sherman Lea, Anita Price and Mayor David Bowers for standing on the side of integrity, and chastise the four amigos who voted for the rezoning, regardless of direct citizen opposition.

ROBERT LYNCH

ROANOKE

Weather Journal

7 hours ago