6:28 p.m.
"There's a strong degree of solidarity and that's what's needed,” said Sherman Lea.
In one common front, all seven Roanoke City Council members urged citizens to keep the current council intact.
Sherman Lea, Court Rosen, and Anita Price announced their bids for reelection Thursday afternoon.
As the longest standing member of council, Lea talked about past bodies that didn't always work together.
"I've seen the transition. I've seen the frustration. i've seen the anger. I've seen the bitterness and now I'm seeing the side of this city that I'm proud,” said Lea.
"I think we're really delivering a solid performance for the city and I want to continue that for years to come,” said Rosen.
Court Rosen says they had to make tough decisions in the heart of the recession. He talked about the meals tax they created, which subsidized the school budget after it was cut by the state.
"Our graduation rate is up 30 percent. Every single school in the city is now accredited,” said Rosen.
Price attributes much of Downtown Roanoke's recent upswing to their decision to hire new City Manager Chris Morrill.
"We were able to find someone who is compatible with Roanoke and also has the same passion that he brings to Roanoke. Chris Morrill has just proven to be a tremendous asset,” said Price.
The trio says they'll continue to focus on education and economic development.
If the current council has their way, they'll all be back next year to keep the Star City moving forward.
Each City Council member also expressed their support for Mayor David Bowers in his bid for re-election. Fellow Democrat is challenging Bowers.
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12:55 p.m.
The three current Roanoke City Councilmembers up for re-election this coming May, each announced they will seek another term, and who they support for Mayor.
Democrats Anita Price, Court Rosen, and Sherman Lea all announced they'll run for another four years on City Council, seeking the party's nomination for the three positions. Each also backed David Bowers for re-election as Mayor.
Bowers is being challenged by small businessman Sam Rasoul for the Democratic nomination for Mayor.
Lea ended speculation that he would seek the Mayor's position late in 2011, and instead promoted the idea of a stable, unified City Council as a way to encourage future economic development in Roanoke.
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