Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 21, 1990 TAG: 9004210061
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The candidates - incumbent Polly Corn, Jim Cox, Gary Weddle and David Young, and mayoral hopefuls Tom Starnes and Councilman David Worrell - expressed their views in a public forum.
Corn said Radford residents can help improve the city's economy. She said residents should make a conscious effort to make all their purchases within the city limits. This would create more city tax dollars.
Corn said council's responsibility for economic growth is to provide the proper climate for development. "Economic development is everyone's priority."
Corn believes schools should be supported by council as much as possible. She said she would be in favor of a state tax increase if these funds would be earmarked for schools.
"The education of children is a most important mission. I have a strong commitment to education," Corn said.
Corn is a retired teacher. She has lived in Radford for 44 years.
Jim Cox said his main commitment is to improve Radford's economy. "If we don't promote Radford better, then economic growth will decline."
According to Cox, there have been areas in Radford that have been neglected over the years concerning development. He said street maintenance tends to be handled better at the college end as compared to the West end of Radford.
How to improve solid waste disposal was another topic Cox addressed. Since landfills are becoming full, Cox said recyclable materials should be separated from other waste.
Cox, born and reared in Radford, is president of Cox Paving.
Gary Weddle said he wants to serve the city because the city has given much to him. He said one of his goals is to improve the relationship between Radford University students and the city.
"I believe relations can be improved. The city has to recognize the university as a great asset and communicate better with the students and administration," said Weddle.
Weddle was asked for his ideas on how to improve downtown parking. He said one solution could be zoning. He also suggested asking owners of land behind businesses what they plan to do with the land. He said parking could be placed on this land if agreements were reached.
Weddle has lived seven years in Radford and he is owner and operator of Garrett's Apparel for Men.
David Young said it is time for Radford to become active in recycling. Waste is an environmental problem that needs attention. Many localities are starting recycling programs and Young believes Radford should join in.
The industrial park is being completed, but Young said more needs to be done to finish it and get businesses in. He said this is one way to improve Radford's economy.
Young, a lifelong Radford resident, is a licensed general contractor.
Tom Starnes said he is committed to making Radford a better place in which to live and raise a family. Starnes was asked what his qualifications were for handling a city budget. He said he prepares a budget every year where he works and his experience on council for 16 years qualifies him.
Voting is something Starnes thinks every qualified person should do. He said voters should compare his record to his opponent's before deciding because they are candidates with different views.
Starnes said concerning taxes, "I believe Radford having one of the lowest tax rates is an asset." He said residents pay a reasonable tax for services and he plans to work to maintain a reasonable rate.
Starnes has lived in Radford 29 years and is manager of maintenance for Hercules Inc.
David Worrell agrees he is different from his opponent. He also believes voters should base their decision on the records.
Worrell believes state school funding should be increased considering state mandates. "Legislators shouldn't mandate requirements without providing funding to do it," said Worrell. This puts pressure on the city to come up with the money.
One area Worrell and his opponent agree on is keeping taxes down. This year, council transferred funds to balance the budget instead of approving a tax increase. However, council did raise taxes last year to balance the budget. Worrell voted against the increase.
Worrell, a lifelong Radford resident, owns Bank Supply Co.
by CNB