Roanoke mayoral candidates push for last votes

By Jay Warren
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: May 2, 2008

With rallies, TV ads, and direct mail the candidates for Roanoke City Council and Mayor are running hard. They have four days left and Mayor Nelson Harris says the race is close.

“I think it could go either direction on Tuesday,” he said.

S Friday with two dozen supporters behind him Harris summed up the reason you should vote for him and against his opponent.

“[We can] maintain the momentum or we can go back to the old politics of the past,” he said.

He’s talking about former Mayor David Bowers who Harris says couldn’t get along with the Roanoke City School Board, area localities and other council members.

WARREN: “Is that saying that David Bowers doesn’t work well with others?”

HARRIS: “Well, I had the opportunity to serve on council when Mr. Bowers was mayor. I certainly remember the days of temper tantrums and him storming out of the council chambers.”

Bowers says that’s blown out of proportion.

“I’ve heard that criticism and I would say that I hope I have matured a bit over the years,” he said. “Let me say this to Mayor Harris, if I’m elected I am going to be a positive mayor. I’m going to promote our people and promote our city. Any kind of negativism is not going to be effective and it’s not my style.”

Both men are claiming the high road while taking a swing here and there. It’s four days out and they’re feeling the heat.