Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 16, 1991 TAG: 9104160424
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Supporters of the incumbents - Marilyn Curtis, Velma Seif and James M. Turner Jr. - urged their reappointment to the board in a year when the city faces a financial crunch.
But backers of two challengers - Martha "Wendy" O'Neil and Garry Fleming - argued that new ideas and perspectives are needed more than ever when money is tight.
Edwin Feinour, a former member and chairman of the board, urged the reappointment of the incumbents, saying all three are strong advocates for education.
Alluding to the rapid turnover on the board in recent years, Feinour said there is a need for continuity.
Feinour singled out Turner, saying he should be reappointed because he has been an effective leader and has strong ties to the business community.
Turner understands the need for strong state and local financial support for schools, and has a deep personal concern because he has four children in city schools, Feinour said.
Several others urged the reappointment of Turner, the board chairman, who is seeking his third term. They said Turner has played a key role in the steady improvement in the schools in recent years and his experience is needed in the tough budget years ahead.
Addressing the Democratic members on council, John Light said, "Put your politics aside and vote for the children of the city" by reappointing Turner.
Other speakers urged council to reappoint Curtis and Seif, who are seeking their second terms, saying they have shown a deep concern for the schools and pupils.
Four people urged the appointment of O'Neil and about a dozen people stood to show support for her.
Several speakers said O'Neil has the professional and human qualities that are needed in a board member. Barbara Duerk said O'Neil's experience as a teacher, Girl Scout executive and YWCA executive director would be valuable on the board.
The Rev. Ivory Morton asked council to "consider what [O'Neil] has to offer as a human being in addition to her professional qualities."
Pat Ferrance urged council to appoint Fleming, saying his training as a professional educator and his perspective as a parent with children in city schools would be valuable on the board.
Fleming is needed on the board to help deal with the financial crisis that has been caused by a cut in state aid, he said.
"There is a lot to be said for continuity, but there is a lot to be said also for new ideas," Ferrance said.
Harry R. Yates Jr. is also an applicant for one of the three seats with new terms that begin July 1, but no one spoke for him at the hearing. E.H. Cassell Jr., a seventh applicant, withdrew last week.
Council will publicly interview the applicants April 25 beginning at 3 p.m. and elect the new members May 13.
by CNB