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

DATE: THURSDAY, April 4, 1991                   TAG: 9104050590
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE                                LENGTH: Short

CRAIG COUNTY SHERIFF TO FACE OPPOSITION

At least one contest has already begun shaping up for next fall's elections in Craig County.

Two men have announced that they plan to oppose Billy B. McPherson, who has been sheriff in Craig for the last 20 years.

Sammy Smith, recently retired from the Salem Police Department after 25 years, and Stanley R. Myers, a 21-year employee of Norfolk Southern, have announced intentions to seek the post.

Both are natives of Craig County.

All but one of the incumbents in Craig have said they will seek re-election.

The one holdout is Zane M. Jones, chairman of the board of supervisors. Jones, who has been a supervisor for more than 30 years, said he wants to get the county's 1991-92 fiscal budget formulated before deciding whether to seek a new term.

John M. Lee, vice chairman of the board of supervisors and a member for 12 years, and Virginia S. Caldwell, a board member for four years, said they will seek new terms.

All of the county's constitutional officers have said they will run again. Those, in addition to McPherson, are: Walton F. Mitchell Jr., clerk of Circuit Court; Rebecca W. Price, commissioner of revenue; Sandra C. Reynolds, treasurer; and Thaddeus R. Cox, commonwealth's attorney.

All incumbents said they expect to have opposition in the fall election but at this early stage no other contestants have come forward.

All of the candidates are expected to follow Craig County custom and run as independents.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB