Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 7, 1990 TAG: 9004070373
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Five candidates said Friday they will urge voters to approve the bond referendum because they support the projects that would be financed with the money.
Only one candidate - the Rev. Cecil McClanahan, an independent - hasn't taken a position on the bond referendum. McClanahan said he doesn't know enough about the issue to take a stand.
A referendum on the bonds will be held May 1, the same day as the council election. City officials said the bond issue won't require any increase in taxes.
In a prepared statement, the three Democratic candidates said the city "faces some critical needs that will be met through passage of the bond issue."
About half of the bond money would be used to solve drainage and flooding problems in the Peters Creek area, Statesman Industrial Park and downtown in the vicinity of Luck Avenue.
"The problems are glaring in these areas and the secure maintenance of individual and business property free from flooding is paramount," said Councilman Howard Musser, a Democrat on a ticket with William White and James Harvey.
In addition to storm drains and a flood-reduction plan for Peters Creek, the bonds also will pay the city's share of the renovation of the old Jefferson High School, removal of asbestos and upgrading heating systems in several city schools and highway improvements.
Harvey, a graduate of Jefferson High, said he thinks the renovation of the old school would help revitalize the West End neighborhood and nearby areas.
The city plans to convert Jefferson High into a center for the performing arts and community service agencies. The renovation is estimated to cost $5.5 million. A private foundation hopes to raise $2 million for the project and the city has promised to provide $3.5 million.
White, a School Board member, said he supports the money for asbestos removal, upgrading heating systems and other school renovations.
"As our school plant facilities age, and as new standards are adopted for health and safety, we must adjust to new alterations to better provide the proper environment for our children," White said.
Councilman James Trout cited the need for storm drains in the Statesman Industrial Park and the flood-reduction project for the Peters Creek area. The bond issue includes $2.7 million for drains for the industrial park and $4 million for the Peters Creek project.
"Most definitely, I support the bond issue," said Republican Roland Macher, adding that he particularly favors the money for the Peters Creek flood-reduction project and the Jefferson High renovation. But the city needs to do a better job of long-range planning so it doesn't allow buildings such as Jefferson High to become dilapidated and require major renovations, he said.
by CNB