The Election

Healthy Schools. Healthy Cities.

Anyone in the midst of a campaign usually has the wisdom to stay away from discussing possible tax increases. However, last week, I openly discussed the reality that considering the current state of the national economy and with the difficult budget decisions Roanoke City Council is facing, everything — including possible tax increases — should be on the table for open, public discussion. To suggest otherwise would be political posturing and not a sign of strong leadership.

As regularly reported in the media, cigarette, food & beverage, and lodging taxes are often the first to be considered. In Roanoke, the idea of a food & beverage tax has been discussed – and implemented — multiple times over the last few years. While I own two restaurants that employ over 55 people and even with our revenues are down at least 30% from previous years — I am willing to considering this tax. However, balanced, informed and responsible leadership suggests we need to weigh this in the larger context of the economic development picture – considering the number of restaurants recently closing and the need for job creation in this economy.

Roanoke City Council is in the very early stages of our budget process and a possible combination of tax increases should only be considered after a round of belt tightening and expenditure reductions are explored. We have a lot of serious work facing us, more than ever before. I look forward to leading these discussions and hope all members of council are open to public dialogue on all facets of the budget.

The issue of funding for schools is front and center as these discussions heat up and we search for solutions to the budget crisis. During my first term on city council, I have often been the leading voice expressing the reality that sacrifices must be made by citizens and businesses alike in order to ensure children are offered a strong foundation for success. I have also been vocal about the idea that our schools are our most important economic engine and are perhaps the most important measure of our success as a whole – stating that the best way to ensure a vibrant future for any community is to create a strong, educated workforce.

I look forward to exploring all possible solutions and intend to continue finding ways to improve funding of our school system despite declining revenues on the local, state and federal level.

Thanks, Dave

Every Vote Counts

We are a few short weeks away from the Democratic Primary – the first election of this political season.  As a new political season begins and the rhetoric heats up, it is time to reflect about the role we play in our own future.

In a democracy, every candidate should be considered, every vote is critical — and should be counted. With the upcoming primary for Roanoke City Council, it is important to not only remind citizens to vote, but also to help inform citizens about all four candidates that will appear on the March 2^nd ballot. It’s important for citizens to ask themselves: What is best for Roanoke? Which candidates can work together to move Roanoke forward through these difficult times and into a promising future? Which candidates are reasonable, balanced and accessible? Which candidates genuinely listen – and more importantly hear – the voices of the people?

Every citizen in Roanoke has three votes in the primary on March 2^nd and their actions on that day will impact the future of our great city. I whole heartily encourage, citizens to exercise their rights and speak their minds by using all three of their votes on March 2nd. In the meantime, I remain committed to providing you as many avenues as possible to share your thoughts through interactive opportunities on Facebook (Dave Trinkle For Roanoke City Council), Twitter (Dave Trinkle) and here on my blog (www.DaveTrinkle.com). Please also subscribe to updates on these sites, as I will continue to share as much information as possible to help inform voters and remind citizens of the primary election.

Regardless of the neighborhood in which you live – I believe we can all agree we’re lucky to live in a democracy.  But a democracy depends the citizens to do their part.  It is up to us to manage our own future by paying attention, asking questions and taking action.  It’s up to us to decide who will be an effective and inspiring leader – then it’s up to us to go out and vote.

Please use one of your three votes on March 2^nd to elect Dave Trinkle for Roanoke City Council.

Thanks, Dave

Campaign for Roanoke City Council

I announced in early December my intention to run as an incumbent for Roanoke City Council. Now the campaign is heating up- so I need to devote my web-page to the campaign.

I started this blog about two years ago during my first term as an extra way that citizens can stay in touch with me. I do believe one of my better assets is my ability to listen and garner input as issues develop. The earlier elected officials get input the better and more informed the ultimate decision is. I have always picked up my phone, answer every email and try to be out in the community in various venues as much as possible. The blog does indeed add an extra dimension to this ongoing dialogue- citizens can hear my full view and rationale behind certain decisions (not just a convenient part of the story that other media sources focus on) and I can receive more informed feedback that may and has altered Read the story »

Roanoke Vibe

A Great Day for Roanoke: Taubman Museum Opens

After years full of anticipation, the Taubman Museum of Art opened with much fanfare a week ago. The project was envisioned over a decade ago, with the architectural team being assembled and working on the project for over eight years. This is a great example of a wild vision becoming a reality in our city with much support from the private sector (businesses and individuals) and some support from the public sector (local, state and federal allocations). It took a visionary team to put it together and see it through and we should all thank those involved.

There was quite a lot of buzz on opening weekend- from discussions about the architecture, the space, the exhibits but perhaps most importantly the City of Roanoke. I kept hearing- “how did Roanoke get so Read the story »