Two members of Roanoke City Council were recently appointed to positions by the McAuliffe administration – not giving up their day jobs, just taking on an additional role.
Court Rosen was appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board in an at-large role. It’s the first time in recent memory, said Rosen, that someone from the Roanoke area has been appointed at-large to the CTB, which makes decisions on which infrastructure projects will be funded.
With William Fralin as the Salem District representative on the Board, the region now has a coalition of sorts, to battle for road work funds and other projects against more populous regions of the state like Northern Virginia and Tidewater.
“Hopefully this is something very beneficial to Roanoke in the sense that there are now …for the first time in a long time, two members of the CTB from the area,” Rosen noted.
Rosen has already been to Board meetings and workshops – and reports that the process has been very interesting. With more road, bridge, rail etc. projects than there is money for, the CTB often has a very difficult task. He’s looking forward to working with Fralin “to adequately represent the needs of the region. I absolutely think we’ll have more of an impact.”
As a developer who has built roads, Rosen said he has developed an interest in infrastructure. Besides, “Roanoke is a very transportation-based economy,” added Rosen who referenced the Valley’s location at the crossroads of two interstates, large freight train presence and as a soon to be passenger rail provider as well.
As a City Council member he is well aware that Roanoke maintains its own roads and bridges. “I’ve had to become very familiar with the overall components of transportation.”
Rosen is filling the seat of an unexpired term and then will be reappointed to a new four-year term by the Governor on July 1. “Hopefully I’ll have a positive impact … I hope this enables us as a community and a region to be more on the radar. I hope to work with William Fralin to make sure our region is included in transportation funding so we get a fair shake. It really does support and promote economic growth.”
Meanwhile Sherman Lea Sr. adds a position on the state parole board to his role on City Council. Lea had a long career with the Department of Corrections before retiring. Parole Board members review the cases of inmates up for parole and look at others where someone may have violated their terms of parole.
Although parole for felons was abolished during the Allen administration 20 years ago, Lea said there are felons who were in jail before the law changed that may be eligible. “A number of inmates have been grandfathered in,” said Lea. He will meet in Richmond with other board members for some of his work and work remotely from Roanoke in many instances.
“It’s an honor for me to be chosen by the Governor. My experience was in the correctional system, “Lea said recently. That experience includes time as a parole officer. The five-member Parole Board also gives the Governor’s office information when it comes to issues of clemency and pardons. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”
Lea also said he can see the issue of parole for felons coming up again under the Democratic McAuliffe administration – although any change would have to come through the General Assembly. He looks forward to his new part-time role: “My experience as a parole officer gives me insight,” said Lea.
By Gene Marrano
