A message from the Overlord:

"The stars are quiet on the face of the deep

All the dogs and angels are turning

Burning in their sleep

You can't see me now, but I'm watching over you

A broken smile never lies

A busted mirror cannot see you cry

I'm looking through one glass eye

You can't see me now, but I'm watching over you"
    -copshootcop (alltheclocksarebroken1992)

Oh sure, I might not win this one. I realize the city is divided over the alleged "future." But this "future" the newspaper and media continually refer to, it's lacking in several things. Most notably, a population that actually gives a damn.

The City Council of Roanoke has built upon the fact that the citizenry of Roanoke tends to be on the dormant side, politically. Oh sure they are easily distracted by little things; a stadium that was allowed to rot for ages, a library system that is widely ignored. Show them something bright and shiny and they go away, like the new designs for the City Market area.

But when it comes to the substansive issues, very few ever bother to get involved.

I don't know if the political apathy of Roanoke is genetic, something handed down after ages of beatings by the elected officials. Or perhaps just a reflection of the modern times. I lean towards the former over the latter, but thats my opinion.

The City political machine thrives on the general ignorance of the population. The easy way they pass mis-information, and continue to feed fears is astounding. And disturbing.

On the eve of another election day, the citzenry of Roanoke stands to lose yet again. The gains will be insignificant, a pair of high-school stadiums - perhaps a renovated Victory Stadium. But nothing will actually improve the quality of life. And I mean nothing.

Not the Greenways, although they are a great idea which I fully support, just not in the half-assed way the council is "promising" to see it to fruition.

Not any stadium, ampitheatre, IMAX, redesign or anything like it.
Not promises to fix the library system, or listen to the youth more often.

Empty headed promises designed to appease a powerless and apathetic electorate.

So worried about property taxes and valuations, but no questions about the services recieved because of those taxes. Why bother asking why the city has to choose between fire trucks and garbage trucks.

Those are of no matter, as education falls to the wayside as well.

Lower property taxes, that will appease the masses and keep the city council from having to show something for the monies it recieves.

Since when do the results not matter Roanoke? Have you been so beaten and ignored in the past that now, when the very life of the city is on the line - you still feel powerless and marginalized?

In short order, the classes that built this city will be swept out. Making way for the dollars of retirees. You will be pushed to the fringes - and the County will offer no harbor. The City Council wants the available funds of retirees, more than they desire a liveable community. Do not fall for this line. They want to attract and retain only high-paid young adults, and make little effort to ensure that the working class is also retained.

The police and firefighters, sanitation workers and maintenance people - they live in fear for their jobs. Did you know that? They worry that one false step, one word wrong and they will be fired, or relocated to a position that would not afford them the ability to do the job they were hired to do. Such is the climate that exists in our fair city.

The Overlord will be on duty, regardless of position or persuasion. Ever watchful, bringing you the real truth. Attempting to aid you in retaking the City for all Roanokers.

Vote wisely today, vote with your head AND your heart - but vote.

Change is possible, absolutely necessary, and vital to the future of Roanoke. Either you become a part of it now, or you watch the City fade and your livelyhood come to an end.

Yes, it is that drastic. Don't be fooled into thinking it is not.