Roanoke City Council wants citizens to help create a “profile” of the ideal characteristics of Roanoke’s next City Manager. Please respond to this blog post with your ideas on any or all of the following questions:
1. What do you really like about living in Roanoke?
2. If you could change something, anything, to make it a better place to live, what would that be?
3. In your opinion, what are the most significant issues facing Roanoke in the next few years?
4. What is your impression of Roanoke government? Are there issues that you want the next manager to address?
5. What kind of person do you think would be a good fit with Roanoke?
1. What do you really like about living in Roanoke?
2. If you could change something, anything, to make it a better place to live, what would that be?
3. In your opinion, what are the most significant issues facing Roanoke in the next few years?
4. What is your impression of Roanoke government? Are there issues that you want the next manager to address?
5. What kind of person do you think would be a good fit with Roanoke?
I like being close to everything from grocery stores to entertainment venues- I'd like to see rental property owners be more active in their properties and do a better job of cleaning them up and be stronger on who they are renting to. Our neighborhood has about the highest rental rate in the city and the property owners should be taking a more active role in them. Most do not even live in our neighborhood so many have the out of sight, out of mind attitude- Some of the most significant issues facing the city are education, maintaining it's current infrastructure and marketing it as a destination where people want to come to stay. My impression of the govt here is luke warm. Some aspects of it, I'm good with but other aspects leave me wondering if they just talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. I want the new city manager to address ways of code enforcement issues that plague us. A good fit in my opinion would be someone that places an importance on the neighborhoods which make up the city, someone who will make them a priority and work with the citizens in these neighborhoods. Listening is key, but the actions of a new city manager who will put these citizens first is a must in my opinion. Roanoke is a great place to live, but it can be a better place to live-
ReplyDelete1. Nothing.
ReplyDelete2. I really don't know how to answer this question.
3. The Economy. Businesses are closing down everyday and people are losing their jobs.
4. Out of touch with reality. New City Manager needs to look deep into the operations of the City and Management Personnel.
5. Someone who has ties to the area who has been in the workplace who has worked themselves up thru the ranks who understands what it's like to be the low man on the totem pole and can relate. Someone who cares about the Taxpayers as well as their fellow employees. Someone who is fair. Someone who has the backbone to say no to "Special Interest" Groups. Someone with Common Sense.
The new City Manager should remember that citizens pay taxes for three major reasons, Education, Public safety (police , fire and rescue)and Public works (water, trash collection, roads etc.) Not to build an outdoor concert hall, Art museum, or any other pet project when there is not a school in the City that most want to send their children to. Not to mention that the city had to contract out the school buses, Police, fire and EMS have not had a raise in the past few years, and Alford Roe spending money to party on.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fine City and fun place to live but it has been run poorly over the past years.
What I like: Roanoke - small town feel with big city amenities. The cultural, culinary, banking, educational, medical, and outdoor festival hub for southwest Virginia.
ReplyDeleteChange: Need responsive city government employees that return phone calls and e-mails. Action: Annual review performance assessment from/to City Manager would allow citizen's to critique job performance of city administrators and staff.
Change: Schedule ALL public hearings after traditional work hours. Action: Planning commission, board of zoning, ARB and all city council public hearings should be after regular working hours.
Change: Attitude
Action: All people - white color and blue color workers ideas should be valued. Excluding groups of people from the decision making process makes Roanoke unfriendly and short sighted. Penalize everyone who says: "Can't be done. Need more How can be accomplished attitude.
Change: Regional Commission and MPO organization members are rubber stamp groups. Action: Roanoke Valley needs to quit playing catch up and be a leader of ideas and innovation.
Change: Perception of City
Action: Market Roanoke - sidewalks, tree lined streets, greenways, river, mountain tails. Outdoor mecca.
Change: Neighborhoods importance in city perspective
Action: Roanoke is a city of neighborhoods. Roanoke is a strong as it's weakest neighborhood. Empower neighborhood leaders. Promote/market housing opportunities. Provide incentives to encourage redevelopment/development in all neighborhoods.
Showcase Roanoke neighborhoods.
3. Significant issues?
Attitude of city staff/citizens
Financial solvancy
White elephants city is supporting
Mediocracy vs. excellence
Homeless population and percentage poor
Lack of Regional Vision
Hiring of staff with awareness of national issues and allowing them freedom to implement ideas
4. Impression? Sad - no one smiles. When the city does hire trained, goal oriented personel - well, they don't stay here very long. Many Roanoke employees are content being average. Average - don't rock the boat people are encouraged. Roanoke should strive for excellence. See above for ideas on ways the city manager can access employeejob performance. City Council should ask the citizen's how they rate administration performance. Why open up the evaluation process? Because people show different characteristics toward BOSS and customer/citizen.
5. The city manager should be trained, probably in a liberal arts education and have government management experience. They should be articulate, inclusive, value all groups of citizens and their ideas, be a negotiater, knowledgeable of state and federal beurocracy, have traveled internationally, believe in Regionalism....oh, and have magic.
*City council should take an active role in setting policy and direction for the city.
1. Less than 15 minutes to anything important - the mall, the airport, downtown, hospitals, doctor offices. No long morning or evening commutes. The mountain views are spectacular. Virginia Tech is just a short drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Mill Mountain are close and rejuvinating. Nice people for the most part; it doesn't matter whether you are old, young, rich, poor, black or white - Roanokers are friendly, considerate, generous and hospitable.
ReplyDelete2. More parking near the market area. Free parking for shoppers with a two hour limit (one hour is not enough to get it done). Who will pay to shop downtown when you can park free at the malls?
3. As with most areas, the economy is the most important issue. Being able to provide services efficiently with less is not only desirable, but absolutely necessary. Keeping the city beautiful is also important.
4. I know most Parisians hated the Eiffle Tower at first, but I just don't think that ugly art center is going to grow on me. What were they thinking? The best thing about the cultural center, Mill Mountain Theatre, had to close. I wonder if it could have been saved with if less money had been thrown at that eyesore. But then, I still miss the ground floor gateways at the old airport.
5. The best candidate would be someone with experience in this geographic area. Someone who understands and appreciates the culture. A down to earth person with roots here who will not use Roanoke as a stepping stone, but will pour themselves into the job because they love Roanoke.
I am a Roanoke native and seeing the bad changes in the past 10+ years has sickened me. The money that has been wasted in this city has been ridiculous. Example: all the wrecked city cars driven by city employees, police cars, city cars/trucks. Make them pay for the repairs and not the tax payers.
ReplyDeleteAnd the stupid road curbs and trees that live 3 years - if someone doesn't change their minds and replace them every year.
Roanoke city tax payers have been supporting stupid projects that have been costly and useless.
Get rid of the homeless felons that other states are sending here by means of a one way ticket to Roanoke for us to take care of. Clean up the streets and downtown areas of these people. Send them back to where they came from. Why should we continue to take care of them? Downtown has been taken over by street people to the point that it is unsafe to go there much less try to own a business downtown.
And the downtown parking has to give. Stoppers have no place to park. Most lots are filled with downtown workers and some go to the extent of moving their cars up or back a few inches and park on the streets all day leaving shoppers no place to park. The downtown garages are unsafe because of all the street people.
Get a city manager in here who is a Roanoke native and knows what landmarks are important to us and not someone from out of state or out of this area who decides what stays and what goes. Leave our landmarks alone!!!!
Make these "slum lords" clean up their properties - being apartments, houses or businesses. Give them "ONE' year to do so or put them on the auction block and sell them to someone who will clean them up.
Stop all the "front yard lawn parking" in residential areas. These cars and trucks parked in front yards, in the grass makes the whole neighborhood look like trash. Make tighter rules pertaining to this and junk cars parked untagged in back yards.
Stop bringing outsiders into the city for the good paying jobs, we have plenty of people here who are more than qualified to take these positions. Promote within city departments and don't go looking elsewhere. All our young people have to leave this city to find jobs elsewhere because Roanoke city thinks outsiders will do a better job - or whatever the reason.
This city has "NOTHING" for teens to do. And they wonder why they get in trouble. Nothing ever happens at the Roanoke Civic Center except for gun shows or computer shows. Big deal!!! What happened to all the concerts we used to have? And free stuff for kids to do like we used to have? These days can be bought back.
Again, find a native who has lived through the days of Lakeside, concerts, train passenger service and a busy downtown area that used to be safe.
If these people want to turn Roanoke into a big city like northern Virginia -- move there and leave Roanoke alone. We like our small town, down home, friendly city. Get a manager who has passion for this city and not someone who wants to turn it into the crime capital of Virginia.
I would like a city manager who will make a decision and stand by it. It is embarrasing to have to take several years to get something done (victory stadium, outside ampitheater).
ReplyDeleteMy main concerns are public safety and education. I have young children who WILL NOT attend a Roanoke City high school once they reach that age. The schools are a joke compared to Roanoke County's schools.
We need a city manager who can and will stand up against city council when they make poor decisions....which happen all too often. Our City Council is less than stellar.
1. What do you really like about living in Roanoke? It's growing collection of cultural & educational amenitites and its location in one of the world's most beautiful environments; the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
ReplyDelete2. If you could change something, anything, to make it a better place to live, what would that be? The growing tendency of people, including city leaders, toward polarization over issues as political strategy.
3. In your opinion, what are the most significant issues facing Roanoke in the next few years? Overcoming the previous concern.
4. What is your impression of Roanoke government? Are there issues that you want the next manager to address? Lack of effective communication with the citizenry. Too many unreturned phone calls and emails. Avoiding issues instead of resolving them. Wasting taxpayer money for redundant studies for the purpose of maintaining administrative control over City projects and study results.
What kind of person do you think would be a good fit with Roanoke? Currently, I think the most important ability the next City Manager should have is a current understanding of the impact of new media communication, particularly in terms of effectively collaborating with the community.
1. What I like about Roanoke are the Parks and Greenways.
ReplyDelete2. If I could change anything, I would strongly enforce codes for better up-keep of neighborhoods and rental properties. I would make homeowners and tenants equally responsible. I would also stop letting those with "deep pockets" associated with Special Interest groups such as Carilion control a large part of the decision making.
3. I think some of the most significant issues facing Roanoke are:
- the crazy spending of Citizen's tax dollars by those running the City
- the inability of Council to control their City Manager
-their inability to make smart decisions
-the closed door "secret squirrel society" meetings of those with their own agendas (i.e. City Manager)
-the increase in property taxes while cutting public services
-the lack of enforcement on the upkeep of neighborhoods
-stupid spending for expensive art to be placed around the City instead of improving the ageing infrastructure
4. My impression of Roanoke government is, its lame. It is evident that tax dollars are not spent on what is necesary for the safety and well-being of the citizens, but on costly projects to make Roanoke look good on the surface. Its all a facade. As a City resident and a City employee, I don't feel that the powers-that-be, City Management and Council, care what we think. If taxes go up one more time, I will be at my maximum and will be unable to afford my home.
The kind of person who would be a good fit is someone who recognizes and respects ALL citizens. Not just the blacks, not just children, not just the young, internet-age, networking socialite, but ALL citizens. Someone who will be proud of Roanoke and not try to make it like any other big city but who will support the people who work to make it unique and work with those individuals to build a strong foundation for future generations. Someone with a smart vision but not so eager to spend money that doesn't belong to them.
1.I like being around mountains and quick access to stores,etc.
ReplyDelete2. I think for starters there is a great need for our schools to have prayer, the Bible, Ten Commandments and put Love for our children. Our generation of Kids have no hope or Love. There has to be something done to give children something to do besides going out and doing wrong. What is wrong in doing Right? To make Roanoke a better place would be to Put Love in our Community. Helping put respect in our community.
3.Unemployment,schools,violence,taking away things from our Police,EMS workers,Fire department, closing things that matter for Kids in the Community.
4.I would like for a City counsel to be able work with Government to suggest about what is going on in our community and would be able to act on it.
5.Down to Earth and would understand about poor people. I would like to see City counsel work for us the tax payers. It would be nice if he/she was creative also.
PLEASE put someone in the City Manager position that really cares about the neighborhoods of Roanoke. As one commenter said..Stop all the "front yard lawn parking" in residential areas. I see it on 13th St SE every morning when I drive to work. Add a citation for people who won't paint their house on the reporting list. I cannot believe its not already on there. The city spend a lot of money to redesign Bullitt and Jamison Aves and fix up houses in SE Roanoke. But allow others to get away with not cosmetically improving their property. This makes the nicer houses in the neighborhood look trashy and lowers property value. Those of us who own historical houses in SE..mine was built in 1910 take care of it as do most of my neighbors. Except the landlord who refuses to paint his green, white, pink, red and yellow house and he knows he don't have to because it's not a city rule breaker. Bottom line is we need a city manager who is going to be consistant in improving neighborhoods. Southeast by Design would have been great,started looking great and had the city finished what they started in trying to improve the area, may look better now. There needs to be stricter rules on housing appearance in Rehab areas and it needs to be enforced. There needs to be a center for youth in the area so kids won't be hanging out on the streets. One last thing A new city manager needs to be focused. I love art and work in a art field but something that I cant understand is this..the city market is strongly promoted as the Historical City Market which it should be. Then why select a futuristic aerodynamic design for an huge Art Museum that looks very out of place. Where was the focus on what the historical market was all about? Sandra
ReplyDeleteHire a Roanoke Native for any/all positions. Roanoke has numerous qualified, experienced, caring residents who work/live/play/graduate of the City of Roanoke. Common sense, hands on experience has just as much clout as someone from out of state/town with a bunch of initials behind their name. Good from them who has it, take those initials back to your own hometown.
ReplyDeleteFor Roanoke to for once take seriously the American with Disabilities Act. Requests by disabled persons are a joke. The city is 20 years behind in this regard.
ReplyDeleteRoanoke is a great city with a great climate and a core of really great people. Lots of good arts and culture that doesn't seem to be as appreciated by all residents as it should be. My neighborhood is diverse, walkable, and the old character is unique. I wish the city were more affluent and had better schools - we need a stronger economy and a more middle-class jobs for residents. The economy and schools are the most pressing issues facing the City. While I think the city staff is generally very good and professional, I question the bickering and indecision of the City Council many times. Our best candidate will be determined, tough, dedicated to openness, progressive (green-minded, in touch with "new economy" ideas, etc) and will work collaboratively with Council and residents to re-energize this city.
ReplyDelete1. What do I like about living in Roanoke?
ReplyDeleteI moved to Roanoke just over 15 years ago. I have lived in the City of Roanoke those entire 15 years. What I like most about living here is the close proximity to amenities such as shopping, resturants, recreation, health care, etc.
2. What would I change about Roanoke to make it a better place?
If I could suggest a change that would make Roanoke a better place to live I would suggest that Roanoke start changing peoples perception that we are a City made up of homeless and of those "on the system". For many years now organizations like Roanoke Housing Authority, TAP, Blue Ridge Housing, have been receiving tons of money and directing it towards public housing and opportunities geared towards the same... This needs to change...
I would also like to see Roanoke City Government start "walking the walk" when it comes to its neighborhoods and their needs... For many years now City neighborhoods have taken a back seat to other "priorities" such as an Ampitheatre (not needed), Taudman Museum (not needed), 2 High School Stadiums (not needed)... To City Government.... Stop talking the talk !! "Neighbohoods are the building blocks of the City", "Neighborhoods are key to the vitality of the City"... Show us how important your neighborhoods really are !!!
3. Issues affecting Roanoke in the next few years.
The City is not doing a good job in marketing itself to young professionals. Roanoke City Schools are progressively declining. Residents are leaving the City for a better life in the County. City Government hasn't outgrown the perception of it's citizens that it cannot be trusted. Housing stock decreasing, housing conditions declining further driving citizens to the County.
4. My impression of Roanoke City Government..
From City Council to City Management, our City Government is one that cannot be trusted.. The lines of communication are "closed".. Our current City Manager is one that has created a sense of fear within all City Departments of their jobs. Our City Manager is not a supporter of transparency, not a supporter of City Neighborhoods.
5. What kind of person would be a good fit with Roanoke?
One that shares the opinion of "open lines of communication". One that supports the needs of Roanoke's neighborhoods. One that supports and "open door" policy to discussions of the City's needs. I would like to see Roanoke hire someone within the Valley perferably within the City itself to serve as City Manager.
1. I've live in Roanoke City for just over one year now and have enjoyed being within minutes of entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and all the "stuff of life". This was not the case for my family before our move as we lived outside of the city.
ReplyDelete2. If I could change anything about the city to make it a better place to live it would be a complete shake-up of city governemnt. I had been in town barely a month the summer before last when our mayor went on the news and responded to the City Market controversy with the message (and I'm roughly paraphrasing from memory here): "If Chico is happy down there, then I'm happy down there." What a crazy, mixed up message that is! Shouldn't our government push and inspire us to be the best we can be, even if we don't see or know the way to get there ouselves? Shouldn't they push us to use every resource at our disposal to create a better place to live for ourselves and those around us? Apply that thinking to other areas of life. Would the mayor say, "If the poor, uneducated of our community are happy, then I'm happy for them." Or, "If the school system is happy the way it is, then I'm happy for them." I think that statement tipped us to an overall lack of drive and inspiration on that part of our governemnt that bleeds over into nearly every area of this city. From the school system (what a mess!) to simple planning and zoning there's a lack of forward thinking that holds Roanoke back.
3. In my mind, the most significant issue facing Roanoke in the next few years would be fixing the city school system. Hardly a day goes by when Roanoke City Public Schools is not on the news with egg on its face. Whether they can't figure out how to get buses to run in a timely manner (or even to make all the appointed stops) or they can't seem to hire staff in an efficient manner, I think this may be the most evident case of the lack of "forward thinking" I mentioned in the second answer. Since living here I've seen that the school system acts on whims (shuffling 13 teachers with barely a day's notice to them or their students/families) and poorly equips and undervalues their teachers (curriculum decisions based on cost alone and not effectiveness of material and teachers just not getting their needed resources until weeks into the school year). Not many people will want their child to be educated in a school that can't seem to get their act together, and this will hold Roanoke back.
4. I've already discussed my impression of Roanoke City government in the answers to the previous questions, and I would imagine you can tell that it is not a positive one. I think the next city manager should be someone who will challenge the city council and mayor to think beyond themselves and the status quo for this city.
5. I think that the city would be wise to look outside this city, the roanoke valley, and even outside southwest Virginia when it comes to selecting the next city manager. In my mind, much of our problem with forward thinking and rising above the status quo for our city stems from having the same ideas recycled by people who have been in this valley for decades and really have little to no experience in the world outside of this place. Wouldn't it be nice to have a fresh infusion of ideas, drive, and confidence for our city? I know this goes against what many have posted in their comments on these questions, but I think that would be the best thing for this city.
The next city manager needs to be creative, innovative, responsive, and NOT another typical bureaucrat. The most dynamic small cities in the country are hiring people for their city managers who are NOT trained to be city managers. They don’t hold degrees in public policy but they have managed creative businesses with substantial payrolls. Many hire locally. There may be great talent out there beyond the borders of the Roanoke Valley but I am sure there is talent right here if city council can think outside the typical hum-drum box and standard list of public officials. This city can SING if the right creative manager is at the helm.
ReplyDeleteWe must face the fact that with an all-volunteer city council with no staff support, the city manager and his or her staff really runs things. A simple fact of life that we must accept unless we want to change the way we govern this town. With that given, we need a visionary planner in the manager’s office; someone who can see what Roanoke CAN BE. Someone who has traveled and seen the transformative power of good governance. It is imperative that we NOT hire another assistant city manager from somewhere else because they will undoubtedly be steeped in the status quo and see this job as another step in their career or the last before retirement.