Building workers' power in Roanoke, VA
Roanoke Peoples' Power Network objects to the proposed increase in funding for police in city elementary schools, as well as the recent grant money the city accepted for supplemental riot gear, neither of which are in the public's interest. This reactionary and dangerous increase was requested by RCPS Superintendent Rita Bishop who, after the Parkland... Continue Reading →
Under the guise of "safety" following the recent nonstop media coverage of the tragic school shootings, Roanoke's proposed budget for 2019 seeks to expand it's program of police in elementary schools. While the fear and terror inflicted on communities after such events is very real and should not be downplayed the reality is that schools... Continue Reading →
In the aftermath of a mass shooting event that killed 17 people, parents and students alike feel an understandable urgency to act. Locally, Roanoke is considering allotting twice as many funds in their budget for school resource officers—armed police officers who work in schools. Roanoke is not the first city to do this; all across... Continue Reading →
City Council Prioritizes Big Business Roanoke City Council gave away over $7 million in public funds & assets to Deschutes to open a brewery here, and over $2 million to the new Hampton Inn downtown in hopes it will trickle down. Now city council plans to take $810,000 away from our children by cutting our... Continue Reading →