Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 8, 1992 TAG: 9203080100
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"My past is the past. I don't want to spend any energy on things that are not going to be beneficial to my fellow citizens of Roanoke," said Anderson.
Anderson, a Democrat, said she won't let a newspaper story about her financial problems derail her campaign, although the report in Saturday's edition of the Roanoke Times & World-News was accurate.
"As unflattering as the story is, it is an accurate presentation of the facts," she said.
Anderson said she did not want to say any more about her past financial problems.
"At this time, Roanoke citizens can view me as a normal person, having normal difficulties in my youth."
Anderson, 28, is the only council candidate who had more than two court actions against them for collection of debts in recent years, according to an examination of court records of all council candidates.
She said she was more likely to have financial problems because she is the youngest candidate in the race.
Thirteen court actions were filed against Anderson in the past five years for the collection of debts. City officials said she also paid at least $1,035 in parking tickets in the past four years.
Anderson, who worked in the city clerk's office for five years, has also admitted that she improperly used an official stamp that, in effect, created her own free parking passes to the Municipal Garage on Church Avenue.
Other candidates in the May 5 election either declined to comment Saturday or were unavailable for comment on Anderson's financial problems.
Despite the past money problems, Anderson said that her experience, energy and desire to work for voters would be beneficial on council.
"I am running for City Council because I honestly believe that my experience, youthful energy and desire to work for the citizens of Roanoke" would be helpful, she said.
Anderson, who quit her city job last November for medical reasons, said she is trying to become a successful businesswoman. She has formed a partnership with her family in a used-car sales and car-wash business.
All of the court actions for debts Anderson had incurred on rent, hospital bills and a student loan were dismissed after she paid the bills.
Anderson said she doesn't think the past financial problems would affect her ability to be a council member. She doesn't think they should be a campaign issue.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB