Roanoke Tea Party

Not sure how many people read this article…(I try hard to avoid the Roanoke Times but my present duties force me to keep up with them). http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/245168

Some more telling quotes from the front runners.

“When moderator Jay Warren of WSLS Channel 10 asked the men to grade the current council’s handling of the budget, the three Democrats — former Councilman Bill Bestpitch, lawyer Ray Ferris and incumbent Councilman David Trinkle — each gave the council an A.”

Really? The City Council that has

• Roanoke at the edge of financial ruin,
• Who engineered the Victory Stadium fiasco
• That has passed a new meals tax that now totals 12%…highest in Va.
• That bastardized eminent domain laws to help their rich friends at Carillion
• That has managed to chase businesses and residents out of the city with oppressive tax rates
• Bought a golf course and had no idea how to manage it, and is now taking a financial bath on the endeavor
• That has some of the lowest school test scores in the area……

 gets an A? If Trinkle, Ferris and Bestpitch get into office, Roanoke residents have no right to complain about their city’s sad state of affairs, since they endorse the failed policies of the past.

But there is more…Bestpitch sent out a flyer that accused the Republican candidates of cutting education and other services….the Times picks it up from there…

“Cooper and the three Republicans vehemently denied they would cut education and public safety, pressing Bestpitch to cite examples from the campaign.

Bestpitch didn’t, but he argued the conservative philosophy of small government will eventually lead to cuts in core services.”

So reckless spending and tax increases haven’t gotten Roanoke City in a place where they are close to cutting core services? Liberals will never admit that simple fiscal responsibility and low taxes ALWAYS works. Again, I say, if Roanoke City elects these jokers, shame on you.

Plus Bestpitch lied through his teeth on his flyer…no great shock there but….

One last quote….

“Powell went further, proposing to sell the market building to the private sector with a stipulation the first floor be kept as a food court.

Ferris said the market building is more than just a business endeavor, but an icon that generates energy in downtown Roanoke. After Ferris said it’s OK if the market building loses money, Powell said Ferris isn’t much of a businessman. Ferris angrily fired back: “I’ve forgotten more business than you’ll ever know, my friend.”"

I’m not sure how much “energy” the city gets from the Market Building, but I’m sure it would be more if the city wasn’t losing money on it. I’m not sure what business acumen Ferris follows, but losing money consistently on a building that could be made profitable seems kind of silly.

I think Mike Powell should definitely leave Ferris’  ”forgotten” business skills alone after he wins the election on May 4.

Chip Tarbutton

Roanoke Tea Party