I have to wonder, with all the talk of Young Professionals and Youth Groups and whatnot - exactly where does that line fall. By some, the range is 21-40 - and others limit it to 19-35. But the City launched a new video to "sell" Roanoke to the outside world.
2 impressions I am left with after watching it: 1 - it's very 'old', and does not perk my youthful interests. 2 - The video gives plenty of reasons to come here, but no incentives to actually LIVE in the city. The things the video shows are accessible to anyone in the Valley - not just those who live in the city of.
Here's the Vid. Any observations?
4/3/08
3/31/08
Sometimes it's good to be wrong
Well, thankfully we dodged that bullet. Alvin Nash will be the Dowe-placement for the next 2 years.
How many citizens really cared? Not many as far as I could tell.
I hope Mr. Nash can do a better job than the current pit of Vipers. From what I understand, he's a pretty decent and reliable guy, but once the vipers fang you..
Good luck Mr. Nash. Here's hoping all goes well for you.
How many citizens really cared? Not many as far as I could tell.
I hope Mr. Nash can do a better job than the current pit of Vipers. From what I understand, he's a pretty decent and reliable guy, but once the vipers fang you..
Good luck Mr. Nash. Here's hoping all goes well for you.
My prediction
Cutler will get the seat. Valley Forward will get the "Community Center", and we will get the shaft.
Let's see what happens.
Let's see what happens.
3/27/08
Breaking news: RVAR selects it's ticket
This just in:
The Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors has concluded it's interview and determination sessions - and selected Lea, Price, and Rosen as it's choices for City Council.
Add to this Dr. Cutler's assured hand-over of the Dowe seat, and it speaks to being screwed by the business sector.
Cutler should have never put his name in for Council (if he did to begin with - the man seems to get many things without asking), as now someone is going to have to reveal all the conflicts of interest the candidates for all open positions are rife with.
Rosen, Lea, Price, Harris. Does any one of them seem trustworthy enough to be YOUR elected official?
You might think differently soon enough.
Sorry I have been away so long, but sometimes life comes before public service. But never forget, I'm more motivated than before.
2010 is not that far off. And yes, I am the first announced candidate.
The Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors has concluded it's interview and determination sessions - and selected Lea, Price, and Rosen as it's choices for City Council.
Add to this Dr. Cutler's assured hand-over of the Dowe seat, and it speaks to being screwed by the business sector.
Cutler should have never put his name in for Council (if he did to begin with - the man seems to get many things without asking), as now someone is going to have to reveal all the conflicts of interest the candidates for all open positions are rife with.
Rosen, Lea, Price, Harris. Does any one of them seem trustworthy enough to be YOUR elected official?
You might think differently soon enough.
Sorry I have been away so long, but sometimes life comes before public service. But never forget, I'm more motivated than before.
2010 is not that far off. And yes, I am the first announced candidate.
3/23/08
Easter dawn
Looks like another beautiful day in the valley. Too bad this week can't be the same.
You'll see.
But for now, enjoy this little quiet day, and take the time to reflect.
You'll see.
But for now, enjoy this little quiet day, and take the time to reflect.
3/17/08
Don't sit under the apple tree...
I know I haven't been the most reliable news source lately... And I know I have levt you wanting for opinion.. I'm sorry. Really..
It's just.. well, it's hard to post dispatches from the edge of a war zone each day, when you are fighting for the future of Roanoke. It tends to become more personal. I've seen some good people go down in flames lately, victims of the folly of war.
But we are heading in for a new round of battle, and with any luck - I'll be able to start writing you more often. Until then, keep us in your thoughts and prayers - we are up against a formidable enemy. And the stakes are high.
Until I return more regularly.. Don't sit under the apple tree, with anyone else but me.. anyone else but me, anyone else but me...
It's just.. well, it's hard to post dispatches from the edge of a war zone each day, when you are fighting for the future of Roanoke. It tends to become more personal. I've seen some good people go down in flames lately, victims of the folly of war.
But we are heading in for a new round of battle, and with any luck - I'll be able to start writing you more often. Until then, keep us in your thoughts and prayers - we are up against a formidable enemy. And the stakes are high.
Until I return more regularly.. Don't sit under the apple tree, with anyone else but me.. anyone else but me, anyone else but me...
3/14/08
Come rain or shine
Hell or highwater.
Southeast is on the move.... Stepping off at 11:30am today.. the SEAF will be marching proudly in the St. Pats parade.
We do this in honor of those good brave sons and daughters of Ireland and Scotland who worked the NW shops, the Viscose mill.. Raised families, celebrated life and death in Southeast.
To them the glory, to us - the legacy and the future.
Come join us.
(crossposted to seroanoke)
Southeast is on the move.... Stepping off at 11:30am today.. the SEAF will be marching proudly in the St. Pats parade.
We do this in honor of those good brave sons and daughters of Ireland and Scotland who worked the NW shops, the Viscose mill.. Raised families, celebrated life and death in Southeast.
To them the glory, to us - the legacy and the future.
Come join us.
(crossposted to seroanoke)
3/12/08
2/29/08
Anyone got some free time?
The link to the Application for Appointment to the City Council hit the internets today around 3pm.
Got some spare time? I say we flood them with applications - like career day at McDonalds.
Here's the link - its a pdf so be careful.
Seriously though - think of it, 1000 applications to go through? That would be worth it.
Got some spare time? I say we flood them with applications - like career day at McDonalds.
Here's the link - its a pdf so be careful.
Seriously though - think of it, 1000 applications to go through? That would be worth it.
Here's the wind-up...
Well, looks like the Star-Sentinel has finally got it's set of cojones in the mail. In this weeks issue (available online as a pdf) Stuart Revercomb (subject of not a few comments for some reason) lays out the timeline for the Dowe-based Scandal...
Not only did Harris know nearly the second the FOIA request was made, but the Times waited over 3 weeks to run the story after they received all the information back. You know, after the Dem primaries.
SO, doing a little extrapolative thinking here - and judging by the timing of certain stories that co-broke with the Dowe thing.. I'm going to lay this out.
1. On Dec. 19th, the VMT received it's report on how lousy it is. Anyone even remotely associated with the VMT knows that, and knows the potential it holds is 100 times greater than what it is now. Bev knows it, but the city part-owns it...
2. Jan. 28th, the Roanoke Times files it's FOIA (still no given reason as to why), 2 days later, the results of the search were handed back to the Times and all 7 council members. Harris knows.
3. Feb 9th. The City Democratic "Firehouse" popularity contest. The shake-out begins. Fitz is cast aside for someone younger and with more real-estate ties.
4. Feb. 21st. The Roanoke Times and Star-Sentinel both run headlines as the Dowe story finally breaks. In it's 2/29 edition, the editor of the Star-Sentinel documents the entire 3 week process.
5. Feb. 23rd. Dowe resigns, after a 90 minute chit-chat with Harris over his kitchen table. Light tea-sipping reported.. along with much knitting of brows.
6. Feb. 26th. Report surfaces about the VMT's problems. The same report which was handed over on Dec. 19th, that even the museum's own blog reported on (12/26) which was the follow up to a scathing report a few days earlier that got Fitz and co. in trouble. So how this report was missed a few days earlier, or a few MONTHS earlier - well, it's beyond me. Unless it was timed to try and take the heat off someone, there's no valid reason to try and make this an issue now.
7. March 3rd. Now it comes down to this - the city council meets to accept Dowe's resignation, and figure out a way out. I'm going to start taking names and figuring out odds here.. so if you have anyone you want on the list - let me know.
Possible Fill-Ins: Bill Bestpitch (10-1), Bev Fitz (100-1), Stu Revercomb (50-1).. Me (1000-1)
Anyone else?
Meebo Chatbox from time to time today.. see you there.
Not only did Harris know nearly the second the FOIA request was made, but the Times waited over 3 weeks to run the story after they received all the information back. You know, after the Dem primaries.
SO, doing a little extrapolative thinking here - and judging by the timing of certain stories that co-broke with the Dowe thing.. I'm going to lay this out.
1. On Dec. 19th, the VMT received it's report on how lousy it is. Anyone even remotely associated with the VMT knows that, and knows the potential it holds is 100 times greater than what it is now. Bev knows it, but the city part-owns it...
2. Jan. 28th, the Roanoke Times files it's FOIA (still no given reason as to why), 2 days later, the results of the search were handed back to the Times and all 7 council members. Harris knows.
3. Feb 9th. The City Democratic "Firehouse" popularity contest. The shake-out begins. Fitz is cast aside for someone younger and with more real-estate ties.
4. Feb. 21st. The Roanoke Times and Star-Sentinel both run headlines as the Dowe story finally breaks. In it's 2/29 edition, the editor of the Star-Sentinel documents the entire 3 week process.
5. Feb. 23rd. Dowe resigns, after a 90 minute chit-chat with Harris over his kitchen table. Light tea-sipping reported.. along with much knitting of brows.
6. Feb. 26th. Report surfaces about the VMT's problems. The same report which was handed over on Dec. 19th, that even the museum's own blog reported on (12/26) which was the follow up to a scathing report a few days earlier that got Fitz and co. in trouble. So how this report was missed a few days earlier, or a few MONTHS earlier - well, it's beyond me. Unless it was timed to try and take the heat off someone, there's no valid reason to try and make this an issue now.
7. March 3rd. Now it comes down to this - the city council meets to accept Dowe's resignation, and figure out a way out. I'm going to start taking names and figuring out odds here.. so if you have anyone you want on the list - let me know.
Possible Fill-Ins: Bill Bestpitch (10-1), Bev Fitz (100-1), Stu Revercomb (50-1).. Me (1000-1)
Anyone else?
Meebo Chatbox from time to time today.. see you there.
2/27/08
Ahh crud.
Pardon my french, but WTF? The State Code trumps the City Charter? How does that work? Is this one of those stupid power plays between state and local govt.?
Well - this does change things drastically, now Harris and Co. have to be very careful who they choose. Talk about Russian Roulette.. I would not envy them right about now.
Everyone is going to watch who they choose, and think about the 27 months Harris and Co. will have to run the city the way they want.
Danger.... Danger Will Robinson.
So now the question is - the screw will turn, but for who? Us the citizens, or they the council?
Chatbox on and off tonight.
Well - this does change things drastically, now Harris and Co. have to be very careful who they choose. Talk about Russian Roulette.. I would not envy them right about now.
Everyone is going to watch who they choose, and think about the 27 months Harris and Co. will have to run the city the way they want.
Danger.... Danger Will Robinson.
So now the question is - the screw will turn, but for who? Us the citizens, or they the council?
Chatbox on and off tonight.
2/26/08
The beat goes on....
3 dates now. 3 possible dates for the election.
Heres the question now, as I see it. Now that we know Dowe's *recent* dirty deeds, Harris' lack of enthusiasm for keeping his Councilmates in line, the entire council's (Wishneff not included) want for more downtown living space (to the tune of $880,000 non-imaginary dollars) and apparent limited vision for a certain amphitheater location (soon to be the next Berglund Nation location).
So - 17 comments, whats left to say? We don't trust Harris, we don't like the state of the city, oddly enough - no one has said anything about Darlene, and what are we doing about it? Who else can we vote for?
Will the slate of independents actually step forward this Friday as they say they will?
Will it be more of the same, or a past crop of losers?
Discuss.. here, and in the Meebo Chatbox .
Heres the question now, as I see it. Now that we know Dowe's *recent* dirty deeds, Harris' lack of enthusiasm for keeping his Councilmates in line, the entire council's (Wishneff not included) want for more downtown living space (to the tune of $880,000 non-imaginary dollars) and apparent limited vision for a certain amphitheater location (soon to be the next Berglund Nation location).
So - 17 comments, whats left to say? We don't trust Harris, we don't like the state of the city, oddly enough - no one has said anything about Darlene, and what are we doing about it? Who else can we vote for?
Will the slate of independents actually step forward this Friday as they say they will?
Will it be more of the same, or a past crop of losers?
Discuss.. here, and in the Meebo Chatbox .
2/23/08
The big set-up
Pity Carlton Ban... uhh. Alfred Dowe, useful idiot of the For the City group.
He delivered the NorthWest vote - got Harris the slate he wanted, and got the boot.
And due to past problems, there is no recourse for Dowe.
It seemed like each time I wanted to post something this week, the words would start coming and something else would happen.
Something incredibly stupid.
Like? Well....
The Week in Review:
Monday: Valerie Garner announces run for Council, as an Indie. Kudos, I wish her the best of luck. Otherwise - it was a holiday, so things were quiet.
Tuesday: Wishneff shows he has a spine, or at the very least some sense - and walks out of closed door meetings which directly affect the way our money is spent. This was about the Amphitheater. Then the City Council voted to give the developers of the Hancock Building (The Grand Building) $880,000 in small, unmarked bills so long as they promise to never go condo. Whose money?
Wednesday: Dowe is a bad man. Spending that much.. Harris said so, because Darlene said so, because the accountants told them so. Then the Times told us all so.. So?
Later Weds: Harris announces that he is directing someone else to audit the council. And Hackworth and Moon to review things. Very important stuff for the 'mayor' to do.
Thursday: we find out the details on most of these things, thanks to the Roanoke Times and the FOIA. Seems Wishneff is one cheap man, having only spent $123.60 on the city's dime.
Friday: A quiet day, at least it appears so.
Saturday: Dowe, with hat in hand, submits his letter of resignation - just as I predicted when the story broke. Of course, because of the speed of this news, and those that needed to be consulted, dirt that needed to be gathered.. I didn't get a chance to post that prediction. But take my word for it. Ask anyone at work or at home, they will tell you.
So.. now we are going to be dealing with a "special election" to fill the seat of a useful idiot. Anyone have any guesses who that might be?
But still, it's a really crappy way to go out - shafted and set up by your "friends."
He delivered the NorthWest vote - got Harris the slate he wanted, and got the boot.
And due to past problems, there is no recourse for Dowe.
It seemed like each time I wanted to post something this week, the words would start coming and something else would happen.
Something incredibly stupid.
Like? Well....
The Week in Review:
Monday: Valerie Garner announces run for Council, as an Indie. Kudos, I wish her the best of luck. Otherwise - it was a holiday, so things were quiet.
Tuesday: Wishneff shows he has a spine, or at the very least some sense - and walks out of closed door meetings which directly affect the way our money is spent. This was about the Amphitheater. Then the City Council voted to give the developers of the Hancock Building (The Grand Building) $880,000 in small, unmarked bills so long as they promise to never go condo. Whose money?
Wednesday: Dowe is a bad man. Spending that much.. Harris said so, because Darlene said so, because the accountants told them so. Then the Times told us all so.. So?
Later Weds: Harris announces that he is directing someone else to audit the council. And Hackworth and Moon to review things. Very important stuff for the 'mayor' to do.
Thursday: we find out the details on most of these things, thanks to the Roanoke Times and the FOIA. Seems Wishneff is one cheap man, having only spent $123.60 on the city's dime.
Friday: A quiet day, at least it appears so.
Saturday: Dowe, with hat in hand, submits his letter of resignation - just as I predicted when the story broke. Of course, because of the speed of this news, and those that needed to be consulted, dirt that needed to be gathered.. I didn't get a chance to post that prediction. But take my word for it. Ask anyone at work or at home, they will tell you.
So.. now we are going to be dealing with a "special election" to fill the seat of a useful idiot. Anyone have any guesses who that might be?
But still, it's a really crappy way to go out - shafted and set up by your "friends."
2/20/08
Makes me wanna holler, throw up both my hands....
Sorry I've been away on bidness - but seriously.. considering the news today maybe I should have been.
I'll have much more to say later, look for a good - some might even say decent, post by Friday.
And kudos to Valerie Garner, hopefully when I enter the race (and I will, just not this go-round) I'll get some kudos from her.
Yes, dear fans - I will not be announcing this go-round. Obligations and responsibilities prevent me from being the belligerent candidate you know I can be.
Next time, however...
I wonder if there is a precedent for someone announcing over 2 years in advance? Oh well, don't think about it for now. But remember it in a few years.
I'll still be around, you?
I'll have much more to say later, look for a good - some might even say decent, post by Friday.
And kudos to Valerie Garner, hopefully when I enter the race (and I will, just not this go-round) I'll get some kudos from her.
Yes, dear fans - I will not be announcing this go-round. Obligations and responsibilities prevent me from being the belligerent candidate you know I can be.
Next time, however...
I wonder if there is a precedent for someone announcing over 2 years in advance? Oh well, don't think about it for now. But remember it in a few years.
I'll still be around, you?
2/11/08
Windy City Blues
So how many of you are keeping track of what debris you have found on your property?
I have found: 6 roof shingles (not from my own thankfully)
3 strips of film from someones vacation to the grand canyon
1 apple and 1 orange (just to be difficult - the apple was nicer than the orange)
untold amounts of junk mail, most of which had to do with some carpet business
1 tennis ball (bad day to play fetch, eh sparky?)
And that's just in the back yard. That does not include the endless "soon to be mulch" pile of organic debris.
Oh, and a big batch of scruples. Not sure whose those are, but none of the presidential candidates have come to town - so I will assume they are local.
SO we have 2 new faces headed for the Council chambers. Rosen and Price, and let's not forget Lea - who is going to miss his little buddy Wishneff. But I am sure he can play nice with everyone.
Rosen, a land developer who moved here from DC; and Price - a school age guidance counselor. Those are your soon-to-be representatives. Combine Price with Trinkle and you get "cradle-to-grave" coverage. And I am sure Rosen has no interest in development of anything.
Well, I for one am still hoping for some good indies to come forth. There is still time, the deadline is a bit less than a month away.
Anyway, here's hoping for some light zephyrs rather than force 9 gales - and that goes for the elections too.
Oh - which reminds me. Did anyone else hear the Art Museum took some damage from the storm? I heard it once, but it's not been in the paper. I'm just curious.
Always check the Chatbox to the right there, you never know when I'm going to pop in.
I have found: 6 roof shingles (not from my own thankfully)
3 strips of film from someones vacation to the grand canyon
1 apple and 1 orange (just to be difficult - the apple was nicer than the orange)
untold amounts of junk mail, most of which had to do with some carpet business
1 tennis ball (bad day to play fetch, eh sparky?)
And that's just in the back yard. That does not include the endless "soon to be mulch" pile of organic debris.
Oh, and a big batch of scruples. Not sure whose those are, but none of the presidential candidates have come to town - so I will assume they are local.
SO we have 2 new faces headed for the Council chambers. Rosen and Price, and let's not forget Lea - who is going to miss his little buddy Wishneff. But I am sure he can play nice with everyone.
Rosen, a land developer who moved here from DC; and Price - a school age guidance counselor. Those are your soon-to-be representatives. Combine Price with Trinkle and you get "cradle-to-grave" coverage. And I am sure Rosen has no interest in development of anything.
Well, I for one am still hoping for some good indies to come forth. There is still time, the deadline is a bit less than a month away.
Anyway, here's hoping for some light zephyrs rather than force 9 gales - and that goes for the elections too.
Oh - which reminds me. Did anyone else hear the Art Museum took some damage from the storm? I heard it once, but it's not been in the paper. I'm just curious.
Always check the Chatbox to the right there, you never know when I'm going to pop in.
2/8/08
Dear Bill,
Please, stop it.
We know, we know. You folks are good and valiant and noble, and celebrate the diversity and whatnot.
8 people, black/white/men/women/young/old - all of them previous democrats, and tied into the system in one way or another. Not a single outsider in the race. Not a single "new" face - not to anyone who pays attention.
Perhaps we should call them the "Friends of H."
In short, because you got passed over for this round of elections - do not be such a good little soldier and tow the party standards. They are old, tired, and no one believes them anyway.
Just like that "oath," simple grounds for removal. Say something against the Democrats while a Dem.. shame shame shame. You took an oath.
An oath means nothing coming from duplicitous, sneaky, Machiavellian politicians of any sort - but worse on the heels of the disgrace of the Reorganization meeting.
Please - stop assuming the people are stupid. We know what you are about, and we don't like it. You are taking advantage of the complete disorganization of the rest of the city to enact your own little schemes, we know that too. We know a whole lot about how you do things.
Please, go away. That is all.
We know, we know. You folks are good and valiant and noble, and celebrate the diversity and whatnot.
8 people, black/white/men/women/young/old - all of them previous democrats, and tied into the system in one way or another. Not a single outsider in the race. Not a single "new" face - not to anyone who pays attention.
Perhaps we should call them the "Friends of H."
In short, because you got passed over for this round of elections - do not be such a good little soldier and tow the party standards. They are old, tired, and no one believes them anyway.
Just like that "oath," simple grounds for removal. Say something against the Democrats while a Dem.. shame shame shame. You took an oath.
An oath means nothing coming from duplicitous, sneaky, Machiavellian politicians of any sort - but worse on the heels of the disgrace of the Reorganization meeting.
Please - stop assuming the people are stupid. We know what you are about, and we don't like it. You are taking advantage of the complete disorganization of the rest of the city to enact your own little schemes, we know that too. We know a whole lot about how you do things.
Please, go away. That is all.
2/7/08
Oh. I thought we took care of that problem.
Rats.
Now it seems that Patrick Henry is over-run with them.
First, on Saturday - the rats from City Hall descend upon PH. I'm sorry, I should say "quite obviously the best thing to ever hit this town, considering the Republicans can't even get a ticket together life is so full of sunshine and roses."
The Democratic primary. Where as few as 4 people could decide the fate of nearly 100k. And that's not including the MSA. That's right - if we get screwed, you do too.
Emperor Harris and Queen Burcham will be spending the night in PH, so they can be there to kiss the feet of the true overlord on Sunday.
Queen Hillary arrives to give lip-service and tear up, pander and promise on Sunday. Part of her "Confusion for America" tour.
Can you stomach it Roanoke? A city council that really doesn't give a rat's ass if you vote or not? A former first-lady who fits in perfect with our own City Manager?
Makes me want to call in sick from Reality this weekend, and live in the dream world of the new City Democrats. Fortunately, I have to work.
And yes, I am seriously going to throw up if I hear the words "Young Professional" and "amphitheater" in the next 24 hours.
Someone tell me - what do you really expect of your Council? Other than the obvious fixing of roads and the basic infrastructure stuff. The good stuff - what is it? What would get you involved in an election?
Now it seems that Patrick Henry is over-run with them.
First, on Saturday - the rats from City Hall descend upon PH. I'm sorry, I should say "quite obviously the best thing to ever hit this town, considering the Republicans can't even get a ticket together life is so full of sunshine and roses."
The Democratic primary. Where as few as 4 people could decide the fate of nearly 100k. And that's not including the MSA. That's right - if we get screwed, you do too.
Emperor Harris and Queen Burcham will be spending the night in PH, so they can be there to kiss the feet of the true overlord on Sunday.
Queen Hillary arrives to give lip-service and tear up, pander and promise on Sunday. Part of her "Confusion for America" tour.
Can you stomach it Roanoke? A city council that really doesn't give a rat's ass if you vote or not? A former first-lady who fits in perfect with our own City Manager?
Makes me want to call in sick from Reality this weekend, and live in the dream world of the new City Democrats. Fortunately, I have to work.
And yes, I am seriously going to throw up if I hear the words "Young Professional" and "amphitheater" in the next 24 hours.
Someone tell me - what do you really expect of your Council? Other than the obvious fixing of roads and the basic infrastructure stuff. The good stuff - what is it? What would get you involved in an election?
2/4/08
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