Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 26, 1990 TAG: 9003262168
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As a voter for more than 60 years locally, I can testify that our best and most effective City Councils have been non-partisan. When politics rears its head, government suffers. Complete domination by a single party can spell disaster.
Our present council is fairly well balanced. Two men have been outstanding in recent years, particularly from the business viewpoint - Bob Garland (Republican) and Jim Trout (independent Democrat).
I am happy that Trout has reversed his earlier decision and will run again. It is disapointing that Garland is calling it quits after a record-setting 24 years. Business experience such as his is difficult to come by.
If anyone ever deserved re-election, it is Trout. All too few realize how much he has done for Roanoke in 16 years on council. Consider:
Largely due to his foresight and leadership, land was acquired for site of the new courthouse before prices mounted. In similar fashion, the Reid and Cutshall Building was purchased and converted into police headquarters. The same applies to land for the new jail and sheriff's quarters.
The former federal building housing the U.S. District Court and post office was purchased, remodeled and leased to the commonwealth for office purposes.
Due to Trout's work assignment with the Norfolk Southern Railway, he was able to lead the way in acquisition of land for industrial development projects. This was absolutely essential to economic growth, not only of the city but also of the entire Roanoke Valley.
While acting as City Council's liaison on the Mill Mountain Development Committee, Trout was responsible for obtaining state and U.S. highway subsidies to help build the beautiful J.B. Fishburn Parkway, connecting with the Blue Ridge Parkway spur and making possible more elaborate planning for the mountaintop.
Clearly, Trout has served his city in dedicated and exemplary fashion. He is not beholden to any party or political faction. I trust that Roanoke voters will give him an overwhelming endorsement of confidence in the May election. M. CARL ANDREWS ROANOKE
by CNB