http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/letters/wb/245294

Trinkle is the true leader in difficult times

As we head into Tuesday’s city council election and the rhetoric heats up, it is time to evaluate the impact your vote will have on the future of our community.

Which candidate has demonstrated the traits of a good leader? Will he lead in a collaborative and useful direction? Who has a track record of solving problems — not creating controversy? Who has the practical experience, intellectual bench-strength and creative vision to navigate the challenges in a progressive and positive manner?

If you’ve paid attention to the human quality of the candidates and the substance of their messages, there’s an obvious contrast. Dave Trinkle is the best choice for Roanoke City Council. He’s served the community as a physician, businessman and citizen.

On one thing we can all agree: We’re lucky to live in a democracy and have the opportunity to play an active role in our future.

It’s up to you to decide who has the experience and disposition to be an effective and positive leader — then go out and vote. I encourage you to use one of your three votes for Trinkle, who has the experience and has demonstrated the leadership that’s crucial during these difficult economic times.

Trinkle honors our past and our future

I’m sometimes accused of being change-avoidant. I’m not anti-change but think that community change should strive to learn lessons from and to honor our shared past. I think in David Trinkle we have a city councilman who does just that.

Trinkle has championed much change in our city over the last several years, first as a member of the school board and then as a member of city council.

My college-aged daughters see him as the candidate who understands and works for their generation by working to keep Roanoke the same family-friendly, child-oriented city they grew up in.

He also strives to help create a new climate where employers will want to locate their businesses to keep Roanoke fiscally healthy and to allow our amenities to grow so that it will be a city they can come home to when their education is complete.

He is a candidate who honors where Roanoke has been but is committed to making sure its future is bright. He is the candidate we need during these tough economic times when the choices are hard and options fewer. I encourage Roanoke citizens to vote for our future and to vote for Trinkle.

Below is the Candidate Question & Answer series published in the Roanoke Star Sentinel on April 8 and April 15.

1.) What is your party affiliation?  democratic

2.) Who influenced you as a child? My dad. His active involvement in the community was and his grace at over-coming a disability was inspirational. It shaped me as a man, a father, a business owner, a citizen and as a leader.

3.) Who do you admire now? Many people – but at this juncture in our city’s history, I’ll say Superintendent Rita Bishop and the Roanoke City School Board. They are facing huge challenges head on – and are getting results. They understand the huge implications of the success of our schools – both on the lives of our children and the vitality of our city.

4.) If elected, what are your top 3 priorities? Balancing the budget so we can be on track for future growth and opportunity. Supporting our most critical economic development driver – the public school system. The best way to ensure a vibrant future for any community is to foster a creative environment and build a strong, educated workforce.  Helping to lead our city out of this recession through progressive thinking and reasonable, positive growth.

5.) Why do you believe you are qualified for this position? I am interested in what other people have to say. I am interested in hearing every possible side of an argument so we can arrive at the best solution for everyone. I am involved and active in our community as a father of children ion the public schools, as a business owner, as a civic leader, and participant in arts and cultural activities.

6.) What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in life so far? I have worked hard my entire life to be certain I am giving back to my community as much as it has given me. I am proud of the volume, breadth and substance of my volunteer and public service – to the Roanoke Region and beyond. That intense desire to give back is clearly reflected in my professional life as well – as I passionately serve the medical and emotional needs of our aging population. Last, but certainly not least, is my family. I am humbled by the wonderful spirit and grace of my wife and three children. The love and happiness of our family is truly my greatest accomplishment.

7.) What is the last book you read? A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines — as part of the Big Read Roanoke Valley and Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan with my daughter!

8.) How would you try to balance the budget? Balancing a budget is about three things: managing costs, eliminating wasteful spending and sustainable revenue streams. First, we need to carefully evaluate current spending to be sure every dollar is yielding a maximum benefit to the citizens and businesses in the community. Are there projects/programs/initiatives currently being funded – that are no longer appropriate considering the changes in the economic landscape? We need to consider both the long term and short-term impact of these expenditures and perhaps make some changes. Secondly, we need to adhere to strict fiscal accountability – to make certain we are not wasting money unnecessarily. I also believe we need to evaluate the systems and structures throughout the city government and make sure they are efficient – especially considering advances in technology. Lastly, we need to accept the realities that state funding will not likely return to the levels of the past. Therefore, we need to be creative in finding additional – and sustainable — revenue streams for the city that do not apply un-due burden on our taxpayers.

I am committed to ensuring Roanoke’s government is fiscally responsible - with a balanced approach to meeting current needs while still preparing for a positive future.  We must pay close attention to public safety, infrastructure, and most importantly our schools so our city can offer a high quality of life to all of our citizens.  As a father, educator, businessman and citizen – I have always been a vocal about the idea that our schools are our most important economic engine and are the most important measure of our success as a whole.

9.) How will you attract new business to Roanoke? The advent of new technologies has changed the face of business, allowing the spirit of entrepreneurship to grow and small businesses to prosper. Furthermore, it has allowed business owners to choose their hometown based on quality of life more than ever before. This shift allows Roanoke – with its vibrant arts and cultural scene, spectacular natural amenities and abundant outdoor and recreational opportunities — to move ahead of the competition. I am steadfast in my commitment to continuing the city’s progress in being a fun, livable city with a high quality of life. In addition, we must continue to create a more open and business friendly city hall to foster the relationship with new and exciting businesses.

10.) Would you vote yes or no on the 2% meal tax? As you already know, I voted in favor of a 2% meal tax increase for the next 2 years. The funds will be used to help public schools cover the shortfall created by the state levels cuts.

As a city resident and restaurant owner, you can imagine this was a very challenging decision.  I share many of your frustrations and am concerned with the idea of additional support coming on the backs of one single industry — especially an industry so important to our quality of life, vibe and local labor force. While I ultimately supported the tax – I vigorously proposed more sustainable options during the debate and wish we could have taken more time to discuss the overall idea and long term impact of the program.

However, I have learned a great deal through the successes and challenges of my first term.  Most importantly, I have learned patience and better understand why we cannot always expect things to happen exactly as we might like.  There are many considerations and implications to each decision – and this must not be taken lightly.

Moving forward, I will continue to scrutinize the budget to find inefficiencies and other — more progressive — ways to support the schools after this two year period when the meals tax will automatically revert to current levels. If re-elected, I look forward to continuing as a member of the Joint Services Committee and playing a vital role – in cooperation with the schools — to find innovative and sustainable ways to support public education.

As many of you already know, Monday, Roanoke City Council voted in favor of a 2% meal tax increase for the next 2 years. The funds will be used to help public schools cover the shortfall created by the state levels cuts.

I sincerely appreciate the feedback I have received over the past few weeks on this issue and want you all to know how much I weighed your thoughts and opinions. As a city resident and restaurant owner, you can imagine this was a very challenging decision.  I share many of your frustrations and am concerned with the idea of additional support coming on the backs of one single industry — especially an industry so important to our quality of life, vibe and local labor force. While I ultimately supported the tax – I vigorously proposed more sustainable options during the debate and wish we could have taken more time to discuss the overall idea and long term impact of the program.

However, I have learned a great deal through the successes and challenges of my first term.  Most importantly, I have learned patience and better understand why we cannot always expect things to happen exactly as we might like.  There are many considerations and implications to each decision – and this must not be taken lightly.

Moving forward, I will continue to scrutinize the budget to find inefficiencies and other — more progressive — ways to support the schools after this two year period when the meals tax will automatically revert to current levels. If re-elected, I look forward to continuing as a member of the Joint Services Committee and playing a vital role – in cooperation with the schools — to find innovative and sustainable ways to support public education.

I am committed to ensuring Roanoke’s government is fiscally responsible - with a balanced approach to meeting current needs while still preparing for a positive future.  We must pay close attention to public safety, infrastructure, and most importantly our schools so our city can offer a high quality of life to all of our citizens.  As a father, educator, businessman and citizen – I have always been a vocal about the idea that our schools are our most important economic engine and are the most important measure of our success as a whole.

I am grateful to you for sharing your thoughts and am sorry for those of you who are disappointed in the outcome.  I hope you will all continue to support our local restaurants as we see the city through this very difficult time.

Thanks,  Dave

A special thank you to everyone who helped make Tuesday’s primary election a success.  Your support has been a vital “vote of confidence” in my calm, sensible approach to leadership.  I am proud to have the opportunity to represent you on May 4th ballot.  My resolve is as strong as ever and we need to gear up to win in the general election so we can have the consistency city council needs to find solutions to the challenges we face.  Over the next 8 weeks I will be focusing on communicating critical information about the big issues that will differentiate me from others in the campaign including: how to handle an historically difficult budget; specifics on how to support the struggling school system during these difficult times; and how to position Roanoke to emerge from this recession as a healthy and vibrant community through progressive thinking and creative problem solving.  I will also communicate how I will help City Council and our new City Manager re-tool economic development strategies to make Roanoke a very business friendly community where people chose to live, work and play!

As always, please reach out to me and share your thoughts and visions of our great city.

Thanks, Dave

Click below to hear a replay of the broadcast.

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

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

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

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 my position. Of course, I frequently get significant negatives that are helpful, some re-enforcing positives, and the occasional hostile feedback that really is not relevant at all to the issue- but that is all part of the process. In its entirety, the blog has been useful and fun for me.

The main problem with blogging has been my fault- I haven’t always been a regular blogger that is a pre-requisite to good blogging and my posts are frequently too long! Now as the campaign starts, I vow to do better and hopefully if re-elected can continue on a better blogging course for the next several years.

In December during my announcement, I focused on several important issues that make up my reason for desiring another term on Roanoke City Council. I have added a few, but in short order here they are:

• Continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools, including: meeting our commitment to increased yearly funding above our funding formula through 2013 and at that time a re-visit to the entire funding formula; a financial commitment to the Community College Access Program (CCAP); funding for better availability and access to School Nurses, Teen Health Centers and Occupational Health; improved joint services between the City and the Schools to cut costs; and consideration of one-time initiatives that may have a direct impact on outcomes such as graduation rates- including text book adoptions (particularly math) and summer programs. While our revenue and the State’s revenue continue to fall particularly short, it is my desire to attempt to keep the schools financially “whole” from the city side as we did last year but this may be harder and harder depending on actual revenue.
• Continue Regional initiatives- as Chair of both the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Organization I have a clear commitment to regional approaches to our needs including green initiatives such as Storm Water Management, Transportation- including Passenger Rail Service, and pursuit of funding for valley-wide improvements in roads and corridor planning, RIDE solutions programs, extended Greenways, and improved Bicycle accommodations. This along with support of Economic Development initiatives, improved connections with the New River Valley and continued focus on Air and Water quality initiatives that impact our entire valley will continue to be a special focus of mine.
• Continued incentives for Downtown Living and Downtown Redevelopment
• Continued Green Initiatives including business and rehab initiatives
• Continued focus on Library expansion and improvements
• Continued and timely focus on Capital needs of our Park and Rec system that will have a direct effect on quality of life, economic development and population growth
• Continued focus on the evolving Jefferson Street Corridor between Downtown and Carilion Clinic including our successful Trolley program, with planned expansion of the Trolley to other potential Corridors and Village Centers including Grandin Village
• A Balanced Progressive Perspective- a focus on improvements that impact daily life in All Parts of our City while realizing our tough Economic conditions. While this last summer, I supported a somewhat reduced Capital Improvement Plan that slowly phased in projects- albeit less than originally planned in previous Capital Budgets- given further reductions in Revenue over the last few months, it is clear in my mind that a further slowing of these projects is needed. I continue to support renovation of the Market Building as our Number One Project and believe we absolutely should move forward on this project with our proposed schedule but only after we have clearly spelled out what we can offer our Restaurants/Vendors in return for the inconvenience including incentives upon re-leasing of space. I believe we need to do this soon and move forward. While RFP processes can continue, I believe all other Capital Project Contracts should be put on hold for at least six months until we see where revenues land. This does not mean projects that have been slowly moving down the pipeline need to be stopped forever- just put on hold

I have learned a lot in my first term on Council. Things don’t need to happen quickly and more public input as early as possible is always best. Despite this some issues don’t get traction publicly until after decisions are made- hopefully this too can improve through blogging! I am excited about what I have accomplished and plan to address that in future blogs. I am also excited about the work ahead. I am the only incumbent running and as such believe I have much to offer. Having worked with our current council on the selection of our new City Manager I welcome the opportunity to work with him and, as Chris Morrill has stated, continuing the very progressive nature of our City despite tough economic times. We have indeed had much National Press recently about our progressive nature and how we continue to balance this with the serious fiscal needs we are facing, in my opinion,  will be helped with some continuity in a fairly young City Council. I hope to win over your trust and vote for both the March 2nd Primary and the May 4th General Election. Please start to post comments and I will begin more in-depth posts on each of these and more issues that we are all facing in the coming weeks.

Well- I got a post up, next one will be shorter!

What are your thoughts?

-Dave