A New Path for Countryside.

Roanoke City Council has been wrestling with the fate of Countryside Golf course for many years. The property was purchased prior to my term on Council with an original plan to turn the land into an upscale housing development. Council stuck with this plan and tried to get numerous developers to consider the project. This was despite understandable pleas against the project from numerous citizens and certainly the Countryside Neighborhood. Over time, it became clear that a housing project and even a commercial development was not feasible, especially with the downturning economy.  While hindsight would have perhaps offered perspective on the decision to purchase the property in the first place — we all know Monday morning quarterbacking….

At this point, it seemed to me, the best option for the city — in the short term — was to maintain it as a golf course. By doing so, and by making some improvements to the infrastructure, we would have a five-year period to evaluate whether a municipal golf course could indeed be financially successful and a quality of life asset for our citizens — of all ages. I was part of a slim majority that voted to move in this direction. Requests for proposals were released to see what type of longer term management (five years) options would be available: how much would it cost the city yearly…or better yet what sort of revenue could we expect and how much capital improvement would be needed on the course to give it the best chance of success.

We are now at another, perhaps unexpected crossroads in the Countryside saga. There were very few responses to the RFP process and after months of negotiating, it appears there is no way the city can justify the financial support necessary to keep it a golf course — and with careful consideration the negotiated management options are simply not favorable over both the short term and longterm. This became especially clear in light of the city needing to table the vast majority of capital projects. Delaying countryside improvements- which were difficult to digest all along considering that it might only be a golf course for five years- made it almost impossible to negotiate a management contract that wasn’t too costly to the city.

This has been a difficult issue for Council — especially considering the emotional attachment to — and heartache about — the project.  Council truly wants to be open with citizens about why and how we got to this point. Both sides of this issue- land development and continuing as a golf course- were vigorously tried and ultimately failed. The time has come for the city as a whole to think about the future possibilities of this beautiful stretch of land — perhaps more greenways; an athletic complex attached to the greenway system; a wetlands preserve; selling of certain parcels for commercial development and certain other parcels for residential. A universally beneficial solution can come out of this. Current neighbors can still have vast stretches of greenspace that may enhance their properties even more than a golf course. The city can obtain more park space and badly needed athletic space. The greenway system can be enhanced. Perhaps some revenue can be brought back into city coffers by selling some tracts of the land.

I am sure there are many other options as well- so let me hear your thoughts!

Thanks, Dave

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