CRAIG FIRE COMPANY ASKS FOR POLLS TO BE MOVED

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

DATE: THURSDAY, February 20, 1992                   TAG: 9202200609
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Charles Stebbins
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE                                LENGTH: Medium
CRAIG FIRE COMPANY ASKS FOR POLLS TO BE MOVED
The Simmonsville Volunteer Fire Department is asking the county electoral board to move a voting precinct from the fire station.
In a letter to the electoral board, Fire Department President Frank Keffer said fire trucks had to sit outside the station house in freezing weather on election day in November. As a result, one truck was damaged.
The Craig County Board of Supervisors received a copy of the letter during its Tuesday meeting but was not required to take any action.
Zane Jones, chairman of the board of supervisors, said he was told that water froze in a pump. Jones said it is unfortunate that an agency that depends on the community for support cannot let the community use its facilities to vote.
The fire station is the center of the Simmonsville community, he said, adding he does not of another place in the area where voting can be held.
Under today's regulations, polling places must meet minimum standards, including being accessible to the handicapped, Jones said.
On another matter, the supervisors asked County Administrator Richard Flora to meet with highway officials to work out a compromise for plans to build a new bridge on Virginia 618 at Broad Run Store.
A group of residents has complained that a stretch of new road would involve taking land from owners who would not benefit from the bridge. The residents said they are not opposed to the new bridge, only the new road.
In other action Tuesday:
The board approved an agreement with the Roanoke Valley SPCA to house stray animals from Craig. The county had been using the animal shelter in Botetourt County, which also is shifting to the Roanoke Valley shelter.
The board appointed the Rev. Paul St. Clair, pastor of Craig Valley Baptist Church in New Castle, as the county's representative on the board of directors of Total Action Against Poverty.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB