Breakin In My Neighborhood Monday

It took 3 hours for police to come to my neighbors house that was broken into Monday. The neighbor across the street on Laurel Ridge called me frantically this evening wanting our CRO's phone number. I said he would not be at his desk if on duty so keep calling 9-1-1. The dispatcher advised the residents NOT to enter their home so there they sat for over 3 hours. The dispatcher said all officers where on other calls. Does this not validate the police officer's dilemma? I repeat 30 police officers down, not enough police cruisers, and frozen salaries. Does this not tell us why there is such a high turnover rate on Roanoke City's police force?

Sometimes We Make Mistakes ...

What I thought I was attending today was a press conference on schools by Mr. Bowers and Mr. Wishneff but it turned into something close to a riot. It was across the street from Forest Park. It turned out not to have been set up by Bowers and Wishneff but by the Forest Park PTA President. To say it was contentious would be an understatement. There is a misconception that Council (this one or another one) can overturn the School Boards vote to re-purpose Forest Park. The only authority that City Council has is to appoint school board members and fund the schools. Everything else is at the Board's sole discretion. Read below the School Board's responsibility:

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School Board Duties and Responsibilities

The School Board shall: Provide a program of quality instruction. Manage and direct the school system through the employment and evaluation of the superintendent, establishment of policy, and monitoring of budget, bond elections, fiscal accounting, tax and debt management, and plant construction and renovation. Guide the school system through the adoption of policies related to fiscal management, facilities development, personnel, instruction, students, and school/community/ education agency relations. Enhance communications between community and staff by ensuring the public understands school system goals and programs; secure public support for the schools; promote the public's presence in the schools; establish effective communications with staff; encourage citizen attendance at Board meetings; and ensure response to public concerns.

Public Hearing On the 2008 - 2009 Budget

Thumbs down on the budget. The Roanoke City Firefighters Association was out in full force at the budget hearing Thursday evening. I attended as a neighborhood president to protect our interests with Station No. 13. The purposed budget is decommissioning an engine that serves the Northwest community. There are 95 homes being built in a new subdivision named Willow Walk. Tell me what sense it makes to REDUCE services (fire and police) but build more homes. It tells you that this administration has no regard for our public safety. For details on the reduction in first line fire personnel and equipment moves CLICK HERE TO THE FIRE BLOG.

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I was the only citizen to speak in OUR defense. After all we depend on an 8 minute response time that is now in jeopardy. You see Station 13 also serves the North Lakes (County) as well. So the only engine is out on a call at North Lakes and my home on Mattaponi is on fire. Engine comes from ? but then that engine could be backing up another fire.

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But let us have another study on the amphitheater, 880K to a private developer, and as someone was pointing out on the Roanoke Times message board - why does not Sherman Holland, Commissioner of Revenue collect the overdue business taxes. Threaten revocation of their business license. I'll tell you why - the City leaders fear losing ANY business they will overlook these indiscretions because heaven forbid we loose one of them. So, how much leeway do you get on your Personal Property Tax?

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The Roanoke City Police Department is in dire straights as well. Our CRO for our neighborhood always come to our meeting with another officer when usually he came by himself. I asked why? It seems their are not enough police cruisers so they have to ride together. They are also 30 policeman down. All salaries for the Police are frozen. So we expect them to come when they call, Time is of the essence when Police are called like the drug dealers on our street that do not stay long enough for an overloaded Police officer to break free to come catch this drug dealer.

Difficult Decision Today on Closing Schools

I do not envy the school board today. It was a hard gut wrenching decision for them. I hope all parents keep their discontent from the ears of their children. If they see their parents alarmed and angry they will instill unnecessary fear and anxiety. Children adjust much easier then parents - I have been there. Parents, keep an eye on the resources promised and make SURE they are received. If any additional resources come up in the course of this upheaval then be sure to make your voice heard.

Slammed by the Editorial Board

Well, today's editorial that says "if only she had learned to see beyond her own back yard of Countryside Golf Course" is not surprising as it was the FIRST question they asked me when I sat down. Since no one has pegged me with that BUT the Editorial Board it tells me they had made up their mind about me before I opened my mouth. I responded to many other topics which it is clear they ignored. So I have committed the great SIN of advocating for my neighborhood and this asset for the ENTIRE city. I have barely mentioned Countryside throughout the campaign except as a means to identify myself. Since their Editorials have consistently advocated for developing the Countryside Golf Course I guess this is their way of saying "shut up, we don't care about this City amenity". Well, if they had bothered to check the ENTIRE city regarding Countryside Golf Course they would find players from ALL areas of the City, County, and beyond. It is not just Northwest or my backyard. The airport hotel guests play here and tout it as one of their amenities. Well, those who don't know me may believe it. I know my fellow neighborhood presidents know me better. What do you think?

Sometimes Small Ideas Are Good Ideas

I had mentioned to the Editorial Board and then to a Roanoke Times Reporter that when the Taubman Museum opens in November the below would encourage spending at the downtown retailers and restaurants:

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Parking validation - you remember that if you are over ?? years old. A museum visitor would take their Taubman Museum ticket and spend "blank" number of dollars at a retailer or restaurant and receive a token to hand to the parking attendant - thereby stimulating the downtown and providing free parking to those who spend at the local shops. Is this one of those win/win situations?

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Our City School Arts and Drama departments struggle with funding. OK, another idea - Place a surcharge of 5% on a museum ticket earmarked for Arts and Drama in our schools. Certainly no one would object to .25 or .35 cents going to Arts and Drama for our schools. Even out-of-towners see the "good" in that.

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Any comments on these ideas?

Safety First!

Roanoke City is having financial troubles. Not news to you who pay attention. Everyone will pay attention more as they watch their house burn down waiting for a fire crew. Did you hear they are cutting fire personel and an engine at station 13 on Peters Creek? When times are tough we all have to tighten our belts - we know that. BUT Roanoke City sacrifices the safety of it's citizens. It can, however, find money to give $880K to help a private developer refurbish the Hancock building for apartments. It can hire yet another consulting team to "site" the amphitheater. If we just had the money that has been paid to all the consultants we could keep our city safe. I know we do need a consultant as the city does not have the expertise in some areas but by gosh if you hire one then LISTEN to them. We pay a Commissioner of Revenue $100K a year to NOT collect business license revenue to the tune of $1mil as report by WDBJ7.

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The first reason that governments were formed was to keep the people safe. If you don't have safety, you don't have a city - you have a jungle. We build and build but cut and cut services. That coveted tax base the city keeps saying we need by "building on every square inch" comes at a price and we better start realizing this fact. We have to provide services to these new developments and businesses - is there a net gain?

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I sure would like to know how a firetruck is expected to get up Peakwood Drive to the new Boone & Company's Wilton development. I hope there is no fire at these new $500K homes - good luck getting services up there.

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Next years budget comes up for a Public Hearing on May 1st at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. All should be there.

Council's New Spending Policy

At first blush the Council's new spending policy looks to be a substantial improvement versus almost no policy at all. The burden previously seemed to fall on the city clerk's office and now the responsibility will fall squarely on the Council member as it should. Being an Information Security and Audit professional I can tell you "stamping" a signature is not a signature. The Control Point rests on the city clerk's monthly report so it will be up to Roanoke citizens to pay attention - after all it is YOUR $$$. As for me if elected I will post my expenses online regardless of a monthly report and do so when the expense is incurred.

Overage Academy - School Closings

I am looking forward to hearing more details regarding the schools that were selected for closing at the April 30th Public Hearing. The parents who's children go to these schools deserve to know the criteria by which the decisions were made. They also need to be assured that their children will benefit from this action. This is no easy decision I am sure. However, the reasoning needs to be clearly communicated to the parents. They need to know why these schools in Northwest would be the ones to close.

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Roanoke City Schools does need big ideas to strengthen the system. The whole city will be strengthened along with our schools. At my candidacy announcement I advocated for the "overage" academy. I have personal experience with an overage child. CLICK HERE FOR MY ANNOUNCEMENT.

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Also be sure to visit the Hampton Harbour Academy for how a program like this can impact the graduation rate.

Editorial Board Interview - What it is like!

I don't want to disappoint Dan Radmacher after my Editorial Board interview as I promised I'd blog about it and make him famous.

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All joking aside it was not so painful. There were no bright lights in my eyes and there was no water boarding involved. However, they were all expressionless. The only smile I received from Dan as he walked me out was when I told him I purchased an ad banner on roanoke.com to help pay his salary.