Issues

CRIME

Roanoke has been recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in Virginia, ranking as high as 2nd or 4th according to various online sources. In December 2022, Roanoke Police reported that our city’s violent crime rate was 47% higher than the national average—a shocking statistic that demands immediate action.

While Joe Cobb and the current city administration have invested thousands in "Gun Violence Prevention," David Bowers champions "Gun Violence Apprehension." He believes in bringing justice to our community by locking up those who commit violent crimes. Addressing the critical police shortage, with Roanoke Police Department being short 59 officers in 2022—a number that remains unchanged as of early 2024—David Bowers promises a fully funded and fully staffed police department. His vision is to make Roanoke’s police force second in distinction in Western Virginia only to the renowned Virginia State Police, ensuring a safer city for all its residents.

TAXES

In these challenging economic times, Roanoke homeowners deserve relief. With real estate assessments on the rise, David Bowers is leading the charge for a 3 cent reduction in the tax rate. This bold initiative will put millions of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking families across our city.

While the city’s budget balloons to $379 million for 2024-25—an increase of $23.7 million, roughly 8%—Roanoke’s homeowners are left without any tax relief. Despite taxpayer dollars being spent on various initiatives, including support for the homeless, not a single cent has been allocated to lighten the load for those who call Roanoke home.

David Bowers asks a simple question: Why not prioritize tax relief for our citizens?

Citywide Rezoning

David Bowers firmly opposes the recent citywide rezoning, which he believes is the most misguided City Council decision in 60 years. This new policy threatens to disrupt our neighborhoods by encouraging the conversion of single-family homes into multi-unit apartments and permitting the construction of additional units on any lot. Instead of dividing our communities, David advocates for focusing on rehabilitating the 5,000 dilapidated homes in the city, ensuring they become safe, modern residences for our widows, elderly, and veterans.

With his "My Home Too" proposal, David Bowers aims to redirect Federal, state, and local funds towards restoring existing homes rather than building new, unnecessary units. This approach not only preserves the character of our neighborhoods but also addresses the real housing needs of our most vulnerable residents. Stand with David Bowers in protecting our city's future by supporting a smarter, more compassionate approach to housing.

Evans Spring

David Bowers proposes pre-conditions for the Evans Spring development, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for needed economic growth along I-581. This 125-acre tract is the last remaining undeveloped land in the city, making it the most significant economic development proposal in the Roanoke region.

This is not a racial issue, nor is it “urban renewal.” No one will be displaced—this is a forested, fallow acreage with direct access to I-581, and it’s the last large tract of land in the city available for regional economic development. This project could bring an investment of $250-500 million, create up to 1,600 new jobs, and generate $2.25 million in additional city tax revenues—a true “Super City” accomplishment. (And who knows, maybe we can even get a Cracker Barrel on site, so Roanokers won’t have to drive to Cloverdale or Christiansburg for pot roast!)

40% Tax Revenue Formula for Schools

David Bowers will vote to reinstate the 40% city tax revenue formula for schools, a policy that our current City Council has unjustly dismantled. This responsible formula, established years ago under the leadership of Mayor Bowers and former Vice Mayor Dave Trinkle, dedicated 40% of city taxpayer revenues to our schools, ensuring strong support for our city’s students and teachers.

This formula was a good and effective approach to funding education, and David Bowers fully supports its continuation. The decision by our current City Council to end this formula is a mistake that will lead to constant bickering between the Council and the schools, but more importantly, it will reduce our investment in our most precious resource—our youth. David Bowers is committed to restoring this formula to ensure our children receive the education they deserve.

Roanoke's "Feel Good" Campaign

David Bowers would end the $250,000 taxpayer-funded “Feel Good” campaign recently authorized by Joe Cobb and the current City Council in December 2023—conveniently just in time for the election. This campaign, designed to influence Roanokers to “feel good” about their city government, is a $250,000 waste of taxpayer money.

We don’t need a “Feel Good” campaign—what we need are actions that speak louder than words. David Bowers believes in giving citizens “the facts” so they can decide for themselves how they feel about the city’s performance. Our city’s actions should be what earns the trust and approval of its residents, not a costly PR campaign.