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