Former congressional candidate announces run for mayor in Roanoke

After several years of focusing on his family, small-business owner and CFO of Kissito Healthcare, Sam Rasoul, has decided to run for mayor of Roanoke. Raised in the Roanoke Valley, Rasoul would like to contribute more to an area that has blessed him with so much.

“We are putting the campaign together now, and we will be making a formal announcement at the beginning of the year,” said Rasoul, who fell short in a campaign for the Sixth District congressional seat in 2008

Rasoul’s campaign will center on several priorities including job creation through economic development, limiting wasteful spending, and education.  A small-business owner, Rasoul believes more can be done to make Roanoke a formidable regional player to attract more jobs. With cuts looming in Richmond and Washington, Rasoul believe his financial background will help him work with other members of city council, and other local entities to maximize our resources to stimulate the region.

“Roanoke is a great city, the region has many resources, and we have many talented people who need jobs,” Rasoul said. “During this economic time we cannot afford to be complacent. Under my leadership we will create sustainable solutions that utilize our regional talents, forge partnerships with other cities and regions, and be fiscally responsible to make sure that every dollar spent creates a return on investment for the city. As a business man and a job creator, I know what it takes and I intend to do just that as mayor of Roanoke.”

In order for any region to thrive, the education system has proved to be a huge catalyst for attracting business. Rasoul says that education will be an unusually high focal point for a mayor. “I believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to participate in our education system,” Rasoul said. “Our students are competing globally and our country has fallen way behind. Education is the only equalizer – so it is important that we maximize every tax dollar spent on education, to build the capacity to ensure that every single child comes to school ready to learn, and receives a high quality education.”

Believing in grass-roots campaigning, Rasoul will spend much of his time not talking, but listening to the citizens of Roanoke and learning more about their thoughts on improving the city.

Rasoul will be seeking the Democratic nomination in February for the general election this May.