Dowe’s resignation hampers council business

His former seat in the Council chamber sat vacant. The name plate had been removed. But Alfred Dowe was still a part of Monday’s council meeting, warranting only a brief mention during the meeting about how Council will replace him.

After the meeting, we heard a lot more.

“I feel very sad for Alfred,” said Dr. David Trinkle, Roanoke’s vice mayor.

Councilwoman Gwen Mason added, “It’s very painful.”

Councilman Sherman Lea said, “I think he made some poor decisions, bad judgment.”

Lea is the only member of council up for re-election this May, seems to understand the impact Dowe’s actions could have.

LEA: “All candidates for any office are trying to restore confidence in our government.”

WARREN: “And you’re not accused of doing anything wrong, but are you afraid this will hurt you just by being associated with him on council?”

LEA: “I think the fact that we worked hard. Things happen, things happen.”

Roanoke City Council will now appoint Dowe’s replacement. Since they’re picking the new member, will they want someone who agrees with them on the issues?

Most members say no, with a small asterisk.

“This council is not interested in going back and revisiting issues that have already been decided,” Mason said.

Trinkle said, “We will hopefully have some candidates that are future oriented and are not going to campaign or run on going back and undoing votes.”

That could be read as a warning to the new member: the controversial decision to build an amphitheater on the site of the former Victory Stadium instead of in downtown doesn’t need another debate.

At Monday’s meeting, we saw another impact from Dowe’s sudden resignation. Council was unable to do all of its business. A vote related to Countryside Golf Course had to be tabled. Wit Dowe’s resignation and Brian Wishneff’s absence, legally there weren’t enough members present to vote.

“Only Mr. Wishneff can speak to his absence, but I think you’ll see that today is not an exception and we’ll do the best we can with the remaining members who are here until we get that important seventh seat filled,” Mason said.

That process to fill Dowe’s seat should take 45 or so days.