Friday, November 21, 2008
Challenger enters ring for seat on Roanoke Co. board
A year ahead of the vote, Patrick Patterson said he will run against Mike Altizer for supervisor.
Jared Soares | The Roanoke Times
At the Vinton War Memorial, Patrick Patterson (left), with his uncle Bobby Patterson, announced his intention Thursday to seek the Democratic nomination for the Vinton Magisterial District seat on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. Patterson's opponent was unopposed in his first two terms.
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roanoke.com/politics
Roanoke County Supervisor Mike Altizer was elected to each of his first two terms by running unopposed.
Not next year.
Patrick Patterson, director of guidance at William Byrd High School, announced Thursday -- nearly a full calendar year before next year's elections -- that he's seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Altizer in November.
Patterson, 40, has already purchased large yard signs, stickers and handbills touting his candidacy. Roanoke County Clerk of Court Steve McGraw told a group of more than 50 people at the Vinton War Memorial that he was impressed with Patterson's organizational skills, and that "I never thought I'd see a board of supervisors race start like this."
Altizer, 58, said he's looking forward to the challenge.
"As people examine my record, I think they'll find it's been a good one: reducing taxes, bringing in new jobs and looking after the citizens of east county and Vinton," Altizer said. "I look forward to a spirited campaign and talking about the issues."
Patterson touted a fairly detailed platform of issues, with bones thrown to each of the Vinton Magisterial District's geographic areas, as well as those involved in public safety, education and business.
He called for the location of a major hotel chain and more retail shopping to Vinton to "experience Fall Festival numbers on a regular basis." He said Mount Pleasant Elementary School and the nearby library extension should each be renovated. He pledged to work with Bonsack residents to alleviate heavy traffic around retail establishments.
Patterson also said that eastern Roanoke County needs to "quit losing business to Botetourt County, Salem, Roanoke city and other parts of the Roanoke Valley."
Asked about the likely location of a Wal-Mart in Clearbrook -- a much discussed issue in the county -- Patterson said that while Wal-Mart would help the county's tax base, he knows that people want their land protected and to make sure "there's a good buffer between Wal-Mart and the existing businesses and homes there."
Regarding Altizer, Patterson said: "I'm not running against Mike Altizer. I'm running for the residents of Vinton, Bonsack, Mount Pleasant and all of east Roanoke County."
But he did lob one grenade, albeit a subtle one. He asked those at his announcement to fill out a citizen survey form, which quizzed them on their priorities regarding economic development, pedestrian access and more.
"When was the last time your elected official asked for your input?" Patterson asked. "If you're thinking about your answer, it's been too long."
