I’m for ending non-disclosure agreements
Our city council signed non-disclosure agreements on the casino proposal, every one of them. That contract keeps them from telling you what they know. I have never signed one and I never will.
Independent for Roanoke City CouncilDavidBowers
This year…Our turn
You gave me 16 years as your mayor, four terms, and I’m asking to work for you again. I want Roanoke solutions for Roanoke problems.
16
Years as Mayor of Roanoke
4
Terms as Mayor, 1992–2000 and 2008–2016
48
Years practicing law in Roanoke
Why I’m running
Yes, I’m running again. This time as an Independent, for Roanoke City Council.
People ask me why. I tell them I don’t fish, I don’t hunt, and I don’t play golf. This is what I do instead.
I’ve been working with and for the people of Roanoke since I was student government president at Patrick Henry, and you have been very good to me ever since. You gave me the highest honor this city has and you gave it to me four times, 16 years as mayor. I’ve represented people in our courts for 48 years and taught at Virginia Western for 10. My wife Margarita and I live in the southwest part of the city, with a dog and a cat.
Two years ago I ran for mayor and came up 29 votes short. I’m still interested in this city and the people in it. I always have been. What I want is Roanoke solutions for Roanoke problems. A council member ought to work hard for good neighborhoods, good schools and good jobs.
“¡Vota por mi esposo, David, el 3 de noviembre, por favor!”
Margarita Bowers. “Vote for my husband, David, on November 3rd, please!”
Where I stand
I’m for repealing the zoning mess and bringing back the law that worked
Council scrapped a zoning law that worked here for 50 years, then tried four times to fix what replaced it. Under the old law, you got notice and a say about what gets built next door. I’d bring it back.
I’m for reinstating the school funding formula this council defunded
When I was mayor we built a school funding formula with David Carson, Rita Bishop and Dave Trinkle. Before it, we had schools that were not accredited and a graduation rate in the 50s and 60s. This council defunded it.
I’m for diversity of opinions and respect among council members
A council where everybody agrees isn’t much of a council. I’ve won as an Independent before, beating a sitting Democrat for mayor in 2008. You should hear more than one opinion at that table, and hear it said respectfully.
In my own words
How to vote
Early voting
Opens Friday, September 18, 2026
Through Saturday, October 31 at 317 Kimball Avenue NE.
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays October 24 and 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays October 18 and 25, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday, October 12.
Election day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Polls open 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Valley Metro buses are fare free on Election Day.
Register by
Friday, October 23
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Mail ballot requests close at 5:00 p.m.
Mail your ballot
Postmarked by November 3
Counted or corrected by noon on Friday, November 6.
Roanoke City voters can check their registration, find their polling place and track a mail ballot at the Virginia Department of Elections. The city registrar is at 317 Kimball Avenue NE and answers at 540-853-2281, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Help
Volunteer
Knock doors, put up a yard sign, or make calls for the campaign. The campaign line is answered by the campaign, so ask for me.
Donate
Checks may be mailed to the committee:
Bowers for Council 2026335 W. Church Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24016-5007
Spread the word
I post a new two-minute message every few weeks. Send one to a neighbor who has not decided yet.