Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 28, 1990                   TAG: 9004270196
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY  
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

FOUR VIE FOR TWO RADFORD COUNCIL SEATS

With Tom Starnes and David Worrell running for mayor, incumbent Polly Corn will face opposition from Jim Cox, Garrett Weddle and David Young. They are vying for the two seats available.

The candidates have many ideas about bringing new business to Radford and improving its economic status.

Corn, a retired teacher, believes having a positive attitude toward businesses in Radford is important to prospective businesses.

"We should never be found guilty of making negative statements. No outside industry will want to come to a town that lacks pride from its citizens," said Corn.

Cox, president of Cox Paving Inc., also believes bringing new industries will help Radford grow economically. He also suggested providing stores geared toward Radford University students so the students won't go elsewhere.

Young, a self-employed licensed general contractor, believes the industrial park, once finished, will bring small and medium-sized businesses to Radford. This will create job opportunities for citizens.

Weddle, owner of Garrett's Apparel for Men, also feels supporting the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance can bring new industries to the area.

On the importance of Radford University, all the candidates feel the university is an asset to the city for the same reasons.

Corn said it is important because it is the largest single employer in Radford. Also, she said the students who live in apartments improve the tax base.

"The university, aside from the obvious cultural and educational benefits it provides, has a very stabilizing influence on Radford's economy," Cox said.

Agreeing with Corn, Weddle feels the university is important because of the economic development it provides and the land-use opportunities which come to the city. He said the growth of Radford University is not dependent upon the national economic situation, so it will continue to thrive even through recessions.

Young said the university affects Radford by the revenue and sales tax it provides. He also believes the students will tell their friends about the programs at the university, so it will always have students applying.

The candidates gave different reasons for believing they are the best choice for council.

Corn feels her background and the time she can spend on council concerns are her best qualifications.

Cox believes his commitment to improving the long-term economic welfare of Radford is his strongest qualification. He said he is committed to bringing commercial and business enterprises into the city.

Knowledge of city issues and involvement in community agencies are the qualifications which Weddle feel are his best. "I have been involved with community activities and agencies within the city as long as I have lived here. I am knowledgeable about city issues because of my involvement in different committees," said Weddle.

Young believes he would make a good council member because he has attended council meetings for two years and he knows how council works. Also, Young said, "I feel the citizens of Radford need an everyday working man to represent them in city business."

Keywords:
POLITICS GARY WEDDLE