Why am I Running for re-election

Why am I running for re-election?

My desire to offer strong leadership and be available to the citizens in  our city is vital as we continue to grow. I have always worked hard to stay in communication with our citizens, business, and staff. I want to continue to serve my hometown which I have given 35 years, and I look forward to continuing my work as mayor. 

Qualifications

I  have served the City of Roanoke in different capacities since 1987. As a lifelong resident, I have watched Roanoke grow and blossom. My father was on Roanoke City Council in the 70’s and 80’s. As I watched his passion to serve and give back to this community, those values were instilled in me to serve. In 1987, Mayor John “Toots” Tidwell asked me to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustments. It was there that I began to learn the process of how the city operated. I served from 87 – 95 when I decided to run for city council. I ran a successful campaign and won the seat. I was immediately elected by the council to serve as mayor pro-tem. I gained so much knowledge and insight, that after 4 terms serving on city council, I then ran a successful campaign for mayor in  2005. I have always had a strong desire to serve and give back to my hometown. I am currently serving my 7th term as mayor.

Priorities

My top priority is to stay on top of the continued positive growth and development. Our future is bright and we have a lot of commercial development coming our way. 

Continue to offer our citizens great amenities and low taxes. Roanoke has maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the area for over 25 years.  Then in 2022, we lowered property tax from .375/100 to .339779/100, then in 2023, we lowered property tax again to an all-time low of .308039/100. Since I was elected mayor, we’ve added so many great amenities for our citizens; Roanoke Visitors Center and Museum, Roanoke Fire Department,  Roanoke City Hall, Roanoke Skate Park, Roanoke Trail Systems, Roanoke  Splash Parks, and the Roanoke Library Expansion and Community Center  Expansion.

Continue to maintain a  great quality of life for our residents and to continue to attract new businesses that help keep our economy and jobs growing in our city. 

We now have a new police department under construction. We have invested in legacy buildings that will last for years to come and serve our citizens well.