Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
There will be a primary election on June 11th for the Republican nomination in Roanoke County’s Windsor Hills district, now that a former candidate who came close last time has thrown her hat in the ring again. More on that from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Thomas McCracken
After some soul-searching and despite the urging of some in the Catawba District, Thomas McCracken now says he will NOT run for the Roanoke County School Board seat he had to give up almost four years ago due to conflict of interest issues surrunding his wife, an assistant principal in that same district. Instead McCracken said today he will focus on launching a new anti-bullying campaign with the help of Don Butzer – the current Catawba representative and school board chairman. McCracken says Butzer – who intends to run again this fall – will introduce his anti-bullying program at the School Board meeting this Thursday. It’s based on the CommUNITY Church pastor’s doctoral dissertation research.
The Woodrum family in Roanoke includes some high-achievers – Josh Woodrum is a pro quarterback who has been with several NFL teams, while his younger brother Chris is overcoming his own challenges and getting ready to help run a business that should open by June. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
David Radford
David Radford will run for his own term on the Board of Supervisors in Roanoke County from the Windsor Hills district – seeking the Republican nomination first in June. Radford was appointed to the Board of Supervisors after Joe McNamara became a delegate in December. Radford was previously a Planning Commission member as well. He expects other Republican candidates to challenge him for the party’s nomination, making a June primary necessary.
Its called “City Plan 2040” – the first full update of the “community plan” in almost two decades. Roanoke City Council got an update yesterday, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
Correction: City Council will vote by the end of this year, and the updated plan will be called City Plan 2040.
Sheriff Bill Overton
Franklin County Sheriff Bill Overton will seek a third term. In a news release, Overton cites accomplishments that include accreditation, increased school security, and fighting the national opioid and drug epidemic. Overton was first elected in 2011, ousting then-Sheriff Ewell Hunt, who had defeated Overton four years earlier.