Gene Marrano
Robert Jeffrey jr
Appearing live in-studio this morning, Democratic Roanoke City Council candidate Robert Jeffrey Jr. talked about the need for fresh ideas on Council – but he also responded to an e-mail sent to WFIR from people formerly associated with his “Colors Virginia” magazine – three of whom are taking his company to court next Friday on charges that include non-payment for services. One of those taking Jeffrey to General District Court next week – River Laker – says the issues have NOT been settled. Six people formerly associated with Jeffrey’s magazine said they find him “unsuitable” for City Council.
Hear much more from Robert Jeffrey Jr. on this issue and his campaign below:
Franklin County resident Pam Rickard will run the Blue Ridge Marathon in Roanoke on Saturday morning – 6 days after she finished Monday’s rainy and cold Boston Marathon … and in a losing cause Salem Red Sox third baseman Bobby Dalbec hit his team-leading 3rd home run last night:
Joe Cobb/WFIR photo Gene Marrano
Roanoke City Council candidate Joe Cobb was at a bus stop in northwest Roanoke today – rolling out a campaign plank regarding public transit and the Valley Metro bus system. Cobb called it “3 More Hours” and posted his message on Facebook. Cobb – running as a Democrat – said some without their own vehicle are having to pay more for other means of transportation to get to work, because Valley Metro buses do not run late enough.
Roanoke City’s proposed 292 million dollar budget includes money for a new emergency squad. City Manager Bob Cowell says the Fire-EMS department has been dealing increased calls for service in recent years:
What better day to protest the tax reform bill passed by Congress late last year – if you didn’t support it – than on tax deadline day? WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more:
Shawn Hunter/G Marrano photo WFIR
When Shawn Hunter stepped down as President of the Peacemakers citizen’s group in northwest Roanoke to run for City Council, the person chosen to succeed him may have raised some eyebrows. Dennis Muhammad has a long-time connection to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has made controversial statements over the years on different ethnic groups and religions. Speaking live in-studio this morning Hunter addressed the concerns some might have about the future of the Peacemakers. Dennis Muhammad was on a security detail with Louis Farrakhan for almost 4 decades.
Hear the full length in-studio conversation with Shawn Hunter about his run for City Council below:
The State Water Control Board has opened the door for 30 days and will accept comments about whether there is adequate protection for the waterways that a natural gas pipelines will cross during construction. One very visible MVP opponent has her doubts as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
The Keller Williams Realty Office in southwest Roanoke County is accepting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for Lynchburg area residents impacted by the suspected tornado yesterday. They can be dropped off until 5pm Wednesday at 2727 Electric Rd. Wayne Daniel is the team leader in Roanoke – although he lives in the Lynchburg area. There’s also a Go Fund Me Page – “KW_ Roanoke_ Tornado_ Relief”. Daniel says the suspected tornado just missed his home but devastated other parts of the Boonsboro area. Keller Williams has two real estate offices in Lynchburg.