Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 26, 1992 TAG: 9203260241
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
For 15 years, the Republicans have seen their influence and power on council slowly decline to the point where Democrats now hold a 5-2 majority.
But the Republicans hope to reverse that trend this spring with a ticket of candidates that GOP leaders say is the party's strongest in years.
Republican leaders said it's not just political rhetoric, either. They think the party has a realistic chance of winning the mayor's post and all three council seats up for election in May. Pulling off that sweep would give the Republicans a majority.
At the opening of the GOP campaign headquarters Wednesday, Bowles said the party's ticket is one whose balance will appeal to all types of voters.
"With this ticket, we can win and make sure we can continue the projects the mayor has started," said Bowles, who is seeking her fifth term.
Taylor, who is not seeking a new term, said he senses a new enthusiasm among GOP leaders.
Willis "Wick" Anderson, the GOP candidate for mayor, and the two other council candidates - Beverly Lambert and Delvis "Mac" McCadden - also spoke at the opening.
Lambert said the GOP will run an aggressive and honest campaign. McCadden said the city needs new ideas on council along with experience.
Anderson rapped Councilman David Bowers, the Democratic nominee for mayor, for announcing he was running for mayor before Taylor withdrew because of health reasons.
"If [Taylor] was running for re-election, I would have been here, working for him," Anderson said. "My opponent was going to run against him."
William Fralin, vice chairman of the city Republican Committee, criticized Bowers for running a campaign against city hall.
"He has been part of city hall and the Democratic majority that has been in control of council," Fralin said. "Is he running against himself and the others who have been in control?"
Meanwhile, there appears to be growing sentiment among both Republican and Democratic candidates for a modified-ward system for selecting council members.
Fralin and other GOP leaders have urged council to switch from at-large elections to a modified-ward plan in which some would be chosen by wards and the others at-large. A citizens' task force, appointed by council, is studying the issue and is to make a recommendation this summer.
At a campaign forum Tuesday night, Anderson said he prefers a modified system with four members selected by districts and three members, including the mayor, chosen at-large.
Bowers, who has pressed council to change the at-large system, said he also prefers a modified system. If the federal and state governments can operate with a district system for representation, he said, the city should do so as well.
Democrat Renee Anderson said she would support a modified system, provided it didn't dilute black voting rights.
Lambert said she would oppose a total ward system because she fears that it could lead to fragmentation and discord on council. But she would be willing to consider a modified plan.
McCadden said he could support a modified-ward system, but he wants to wait until the study group finishes its work.
Democrat Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr. said he is concerned that a ward or modified ward system could cause racial polarization and divisions. He fears that black council members chosen by wards may be unable to get support from white council members for projects and issues affecting black neighborhoods.
Democrat James Trout said he prefers a modified system, adding that a lot of talent could be wasted if the city adopted a ward plan.
Bowles said she favors a referendum on the representation issue.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB