Sherman Lea in the News

“Wishneff and Lea Watch Out For Tax Payers”
Roanoke Times Editorial September 28, 2007

Thank you, Councilman Brian Wishneff and Sherman Lea for voting against giving $880,000 to help in the renovation of the Grand Piano building.  If we don't watch how we vote we will all end up in the poor house.  Keep up the good work.  Wishneff and Lea, you are working for the voters. 

“Dropout Problem Has Regional and Community Support”
Opinion Column – Roanoke Times November 3, 2007

Dropout prevention requires entire community support.  The Roanoke Valley is a wonderful place to live.  We may have our differences, but it is a community that can work together for the common good.  I believe we can work together to enhance efforts like Project Recovery (TAP) and others that will improve the status of our youth.

“Football for a Worthy Cause”
Play By Play Magazine on Local Sports – Fall 2007

The Western Virginia Education Classic Football Game has raised almost $200,000 for Project Recovery, which works with Roanoke City Schools to locate high school dropouts, encouraging teens to return to school or earn a GED.  Lea convinced the City of Roanoke, TAP and other agencies to come on board and recruited interns from Radford University's School of Social Work to go knock on the doors of dropouts.  Getting those students back into classrooms is good for the City and community.  “All of that makes the Western Virginia Education Classic more than just a game.  It has been a win-win for the community.  The event is a good one, but the cause we play for is even greater”.

“Addressing Domestic Violence”

“Violence in the family is a complex and multi-casual problem and its occurrence cuts across lines of gender, race and class.  Stress due to social economic factors, power and inequities and rigidity of roles at home as well as poor interpersonal skills, can all contribute to the incidents of violence within a family but prevention efforts start with education.”

This is an Op-Ed written by Councilman Sherman Lea and Pam Forrest.  Councilman Lea is also Chairman of the Roanoke City Domestic Violence Taskforce – Roanoke Times – October 12, 2007.

“Proceeds Go Towards High School Dropout Program”
Article in the Roanoke Times – September 23, 2007

Roanoke City Councilman Sherman Lea founded the Western Virginia Education Classic to encourage education among high school students and stop an increasing number from dropping out of school.  “Everybody can't go to VA TECH or UVA but you can go to VA Union University, St. Paul's College, Livingstone College and other colleges.”

This game is an event that has become a cornerstone for the Roanoke Valley's Black community.  “John Johnson said that compared with Victory Stadium, there was more room for parking and tailgating at Salem Stadium.  I just hope Sherman Lea can keep it going” Johnson said.

Reclaim a Street Named ‘Henry'
Editorial of the Roanoke Times – October 2, 2007

Councilman Sherman Lea proposed that Council vote to change First Street to Henry Street.  “So what better way to continue rebuilding what once was than to give back the name that still defines this place of Roanoke's history, creating a real special place for the heritage of the City as Councilman Sherman Lea says .  Restoring this street name gives more hope that a neighborhood once full of restaurants and night clubs, theaters and supermarkets, shoe repair shops and doctors' offices can be viable again – for all City residents.

“Western Virginia Education Classic Moves to Salem Stadium”
Roanoke Tribune – May 17, 2007

The eighth annual Western Virginia Education Classic will be held on Saturday, September 22 nd , at 2:00 P.M. with Livingstone College hosting Virginia State University.  Roanoke City Councilman Sherman Lea, Chairman of the WVEC Steering Committee, Forest Jones, City Manager for the City of Salem, Carey Harveycutter, Salem Civic Center Director, State Alexander, Assistance to the President of Livingstone College, Lemont Massey, Head Football Coach for Livingstone College and Andrew Faison, Head Football Coach for Virginia State University, appeared at the press conference to announce the game.

“Gala Plaza”
Roanoke Times – October 2, 2007

A pair of Richmond architects presented three different designs that could change the way visitors from Hotel Roanoke find their way into the City's heart.  They envision turning the block of Market Street between Norfolk Avenue and Salem Avenue into a European style plaza.  “Hopefully, as we move forward we will be able to fit this into the confines of where we want to go financially and make it happen.”  Lea said.  “This is something that makes the downtown area more unique and brings people down there, and that is always a good thing” said Lea. 

“Countryside Golf Course”
Roanoke Times – July 17, 2007

Councilman Sherman Lea has proposed an 18-hole golf course be named after the late Roy Stanley, a WDBJ Channel 7 sports reporter.  “Roy played such a vital role in this region.  I think it would be a tremendous honor for him.  Lea said he thought the golf course was an appropriate tribute because the main fundraiser for the scholarship charity named after Stanley is a golf tournament.  The City purchased the course for 4.1 million in late 2005 and Roanoke City Councilman Sherman Lea, who was good friends with the sportscaster, wants to name the 18-hole course after him.”

Quotes and Statements

“Lea takes strong position on conflict of interest with Roanoke Rehabilitation Housing Authority.”

“Many members of the City Council agree Northwest Roanoke needs more facilities.”

“Councilman Sherman Lea states that he will push to make sure that Northwest is included. The citizens of Northwest feel like they are neglected, Lea said. We are working to resolve that, but perception is a lot and we need to do better with regards to that part of our city.” RKE Times 7/22/07

“Lea speaks at vigil which remembers victims of violence.”

“It’s time to get real because people are dying in our community …. we’ve got to get up and go forward”. RKE Times 7/15/07

“Parking price increase in downtown Roanoke” Lea was the lone dissenting vote when, earlier this month the City Council voted to raise rates on its municiple garages and lots in downtown to help pay off debt service of 7.2 million.

Sherman Lea, the only City Councilman to vote no against parking stated the following. “We want to revitalize and make our downtown area grow – to make it stronger, to make it enticing. Increasing fees for parking is not the way to go if we want to keep our downtown area vibrant and strong.” RKE Times 5/29/07

Amphitheatre at Elmwood or Reserve Avenue—Lea wants the City to build a municipal amphitheatre in Elmwood Park. “It will help strengthen our downtown area that truly needs it.”

“The outdoor amphitheatre is going through severe upheavals. The results of this upheaval is that small amphitheaters in the 1,000-4,000 seat range are in the 'sweet spot' in terms of size.”

“Lea encourages board to look inside for replacement of Superintendent.”

“Councilman Sherman Lea recommended the names of current school administrators who need to be considered for filling the Superintendent’s job that was left vacant by the resignation of Marvin Thompson. Lea suggested one person by the name of Sharon Richardson. It was later learned that Richardson decided to retire.” RKE Times 5/24/07