Note: “Mr. Big” is a current employee of the City of Roanoke. His name has been altered to protect his/her identity.
Although there has been much publicity over the Queen Darlene article, Roanokers should not hold high hopes of anything changing anytime soon. While we view Darlene as the problem, the problem exists because of the action (or in-actions) of City Council due to their lack of responsibility, leadership, know-how, and forward thought.
A lot of comments have been made about how the article was one-sided and it wasn’t copacetic. If you have a problem with the way “The Roanoker” leaned to one side of the argument why don’t you have a problem with the way Darlene leans far to her side when informing City Council about what they need to know.
It is just like the old adage “If I want your opinion I will give it to you” the way Darlene informs City Council of what is going on and how things are in relation to the City or any given project. I have seen it all too often when only one side is given. The problem is that too many people are left out in the dark including the seven elected by us.
I suggest that Roanoke City Council members learn what their job really entitles and then begin doing their jobs. I once suggested legislation to a council member and offered the thought that maybe they could utilize the City lawyers for council. The legislation was positive for City employees. You should have seen the look on their face. They don’t have a clue. The worse thing is that one of them (Gwen Mason) is a candidate for the House of Delegates. I am sure that she will look back at our playschool politics and laugh once enveloped in State legislation.
One other comment or post spoke of Court Rosen as being the only breath of fresh air for City Council. I have mixed thoughts on that, but you can kiss your fresh air goodbye if he is learning from any of the others on City Council.
Yes! I, too, think it is time for Ms. Burcham to go! With an increase of approximately $82 million during her reign, we cannot afford her “high-rise” out-of-touch type of leadership with its golf courses, high income housing, art museums, theaters, etc., etc. It is time for a much-needed change!
In my humble opinion, it is past time for Queen Darlene to abdicate the throne. City Council… ARE YOU LISTENING?
I agree! I truly do not know how much longer we, as taxpaying citizens, can afford “Queen” Darlene’s reign as our City Manager … and that includes “special interest” Council Members, as well. We are hometown people trying to make ends meet in a very challenging economy, yet the cost of our local government continues to rise … to the tune of approximately $82 million since Ms. Burcham took office. She envisions golf courses, upper income housing, theaters, art museums, etc., etc., all of which the average Roanoke citizen cannot afford.
It is time for a much-needed change in our leadership. We need fresh, viable ideas from a true leader … someone who is upfront and open when issues arise, who values citizen and employee input (like former City Manager Bob Herbert) instead of someone who uses bullying tactics and hides or minimizes issues from Council as well as the public (i.e., vermin infestation at the City Market Building) .
In my humble opinion, it is past time for Queen Darlene to abdicate the throne. City Council… ARE YOU LISTENING?
We are long-time Roanoke County residents who were considering buying a smaller place in Roanoke City. We hesitated because of the schools (hurts resale), and our overall distrust of the city government. After reading the Queen Darlene article, we will look outside the city for our next home.
“”"I suggest that Roanoke City Council members learn what their job really entitles and then begin doing their jobs.”"”
I will bet they think they are little politicians that have the right to dictate and control the people. There was a day, long ago where our “politicians” actually looked at themselves as being civil servants.