Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 5, 1993 TAG: 9310050140
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
About 50 people have organized to seek grass-roots support for a nonpartisan approach to the election.
The list includes business and community officials - leader in public housing project residents' councils, business executives, a certified public accountant and two lawyers.
Rob Glenn, chairman of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, also is on the group's 11-member executive committee.
Besides Glenn, there are three others with ties to the housing authority.
Dale Allen, chairman of the fledgling group, said Monday it is seeking candidates who will commit themselves to progress with a focus on "what is good for the entire Roanoke Valley."
Allen said the organization, which calls itself Action '94, favors "positive growth" in the Roanoke Valley and candidates who will look to the future.
He said it was too early to identify possible candidates the organization would support.
In a position statement, the group says it believes "partisan politics have hindered the government and economic process."
When there is a mandate for action on issues instead of action based on party objections, government works better, the statement said.
Allen said the group's grass-roots supporters will help determine the issues it will focus on. But the organization wants to promote leadership in economic development and quality of life in the valley.
Allen said the group hopes its effort will dovetail with the work of the New Century Council to create a strategic vision for the Roanoke and New River valleys.
"We are not running against anyone. We have no axes to grind. We will support people who will provide leadership and work for progress," he said.
Allen, a bookkeeper and former salesman, would not criticize any current council members, saying "we are not going to get into name calling." It is possible the group will endorse an incumbent, but that seems doubtful, he said.
"They would have to convince us that they would not let partisan considerations influence their votes, Allen said.
The council seats of James Harvey, Howard Musser and William White will be on the ballot in May, along with that of Vice Mayor Beverly Fitzpatrick.
White will seek a new term, but Harvey and Musser, who have been battling health problems, have not said what they will do. If Musser wins his race for commissioner of revenue next month, he will have to resign Jan. 1.
Fitzpatrick has resigned effective Oct. 15 to become director of the New Century Council. City Council will appoint someone to fill his seat until the May election when his successor will be chosen.
The Rev. Carl Tinsley, chairman of the Roanoke Democratic Committee, said the group's actions won't affect the party's plans. Tinsley said he expects the Democrats to have a full slate of candidates.
"`If they are going to run candidates that represent business' interests, that is their right," Tinsley said. "Our candidates will represent the people's interest."
Chip Magee, chairman of the Republican Committee, could not be reached for comment.
Allen said Action '94 is open to all interested citizens. The organization has opened a post office box and installed a telephone answering service for interested citizens to leave their name, address and phone number for notice of future meetings.
Residents may call 344-7311 or write Action '94, P.O. Box 14202, Roanoke 24038.
Based on the group's first meeting, Allen said there is strong support for a nonpartisan approach to the council election. The organization has left open the possibility that it might continue beyond the May election.
"There was discussion at the organizational meeting about the need for a broad focus on issues affecting the valley," Allen said.
"But clearly, our first challenge is to field an independent, nonpartisan slate [for] next May," he said.
The fact that as many as four council seats could be on the May ballot "provides an opportunity to make a significant change," he said.
The group's executive committee includes: Jamie Booker, president of the residents' councils at Roanoke's public housing projects; James Burks, a member of the housing authority's board of commissioners and an executive with Norfolk Southern Corp.; and John Grove, an attorney for the housing authority and a member of the Woods, Rogers & Hazlegrove law firm.
Others include Lawrence Hamlar, owner of Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home, and Stan Hale, executive director of the Southwest Virginia Development Fund.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB