And I thought I could sit this election out!
June 11, 2008
While I certainly supported Nelson Harris’ bid for re-election based on all the good accomplishments he has participated in for this city over many years and his progressive viewpoints, I am excited to get to work with this new council. One thing that clearly seems positive to me at this point is that there are no camps, no automatic majority and no clear predictability. I feel this is healthy for us on council and for the citizens, though I am very aware of behind the scenes attempts, even by those who lost, to form such camps which is unfortunate.
As for myself, I plan to continue as I did when I first got on council though hopefully a little more mature and aware of how to handle certain situations and issue development. I intend to remain very open, to spend a significant amount of time learning the issues and decisions that face council, to meet with citizens and respond to questions or other viewpoints, and to enthusiastically remain progressive in my vision for our city. I have met with Mayor Elect Bowers and have expressed the same and have offered many ways to compromise on issues that the election made apparent that we disagree on. I have made these offers for the sake of moving issues forward and not stalling on the progress that is right before us. It was a good meeting. I remain hopeful and excited and look forward to working with him and all the bright, enthusiastic and free thinkers that will soon join our council.
Keep up the good work!
CM
Councilman Trinkle, I work for the city fire department. I recently moved here from Florida where I worked for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Dept. I tell you this so you have an understanding that this is not the first City I have worked for. I understand the need to operate within budgets for municipalities, but from a firefighters perspective it just does not add up with some of the decisions this council is making. The firefighters out here in the streets are not happy, as you saw we stand united, but feel we have no support from our city. I just thought you would like to know our situation and maybe you would help the moral in our department. I want the best for this city as you do, and working here right now is very difficult.Thanks for allowing me an oppurtunity to voice my concerns with you.
Jeffrey Oliver
Thanks for the courage to open up this to the people. In my experence I have found out that you guys on council can’t win. Someone is always going to say you were wrong on a issue. You seem fair and I’ll take fair any day over fluff.
Thanks Aubrey and keep coming back to this site!
David - I’m still looking for your voiced support of our school board and services (especially, fire department and police department). I support funding for these instead of Restaurant on Mill Mountain, Amphitheatre, downtown living, etc. — especially in light of the current economic condition. It is belt tightening time where unnecessary is involved. I feel you must agree. Susan
I hope you know I absolutely support the school board and public safety services. There have been many votes to reflect this and leave no doubt these are and will be priority issues. I have just been appointed to the Shared Services Committee between the city and the school system. I am looking forward to working on this committee with the goal of sharing services where appropriate to reduce costs and therefore have larger budgets for needed items- textbooks, arts, salaries, etc.
Dave
Sounds good — I’m looking to the future to hear more about the Shared Services Committee after it has had time to meet. Thanks.
Councilman Trinkle, There still has not been any changes at the crosswalk at 23rd Street at Towers Mall. it is really unsafe for pedestrians. it would be nice if the speed bump by the tunnel under Towers could extend all the way to the sidewalk and I really think that proper signing like you see in front of the public library in the city of Salem could save lives.
Wm. Jay Bender
2329-19 Winthrop AV
Roanoke, VA 24015