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

DATE: THURSDAY, July 15, 1993                   TAG: 9307150395
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

VINTON'S NEW TOWN MANAGER HAS TEAM SPIRIT

Goodman, who became Vinton's town manager in April, says it was the team-player spirit that drew him to Vinton.

He left a five-year post as manager in Buena Vista because of Vinton's im- pressive support staff and Town Council's reputation for being easy to work with, he says.

"In Buena Vista, I was the only staff person per se. With all the projects that we had going on, and everything that was accomplished, it was difficult for one person to maintain the workload."

Vinton's 100-person staff of professional engineers, accountants and law-enforcement officers have made the transition into the new job easy, giving him time to understand how the town and its systems work, Goodman says.

"There is definitely a higher level of professionalism here. My predecessors have run the town in an excellent manner."

Goodman admits Vinton's population of about 6,900 isn't much larger than Buena Vista. But size, he says, is not his career goal.

"Working with small communities is very fulfilling because you not only work for, you can work with people who become familiar. You get a better handle on things.

"I will maintain an open-door policy. I look forward to working with the people of Vinton," he says.

Goodman says his biggest challenge will be keeping the lines of communication open between departments within the town and with Town Council.

"I make a real effort to anticipate their questions, go the extra step, so that my recommendations are based on facts - are credible."

Goodman says he hopes to improve the level of service to the citizens by implementing policies and procedures that result in more than one town official being able to serve citizens who may call in with questions.

Goodman already is working on a policy handbook that will provide uniform responses to citizens' questions, no matter which staff member addresses them.

The new town manager also is working with council to identify long-term goals and objectives for the town.

Goodman, 38, graduated from Virginia Tech in 1977 with a degree in political science. He obtained a master's in public administration from West Virginia University in 1980, where his career began as administrative assistant for the town of Fairmont, W.Va.

In 1981, Goodman returned to his hometown, Christiansburg, as assistant county administrator for Montgomery County. He also served as city manager of Austell, Ga., and Buena Vista.

Goodman brings to Vinton his experience working with the Army Corps of Engineers on flood-related projects. He successfully obtained a number of grants for Buena Vista in the areas of urban and industrial development.

Goodman, who has commuted 104 miles daily since April, says Vinton has an excellent quality of life and he's impressed with the schools.

His 11-year-old son, Andy, will attend William Byrd Middle School, and 8-year-old Julie is enrolled at W.E. Cundiff School. Connie, Goodman's wife, plans to become active in PTA and other education-related groups as she has in the past, Goodman says.

Goodman's own interests include golf, and coaching T-ball, baseball, basketball, and girls' softball.