Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, October 18, 1993 TAG: 9310290354
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
John Shiflett, who retired from the Army in 1964 and has lived in Springwood ever since, is the GOP candidate. Shiflett is part-owner of Botetourt Galleries in Buchanan and is sales manager for York Forestry and Land Co. He has been active in the local Republican Party and in civic affairs.
Lewis "Gibby" Smith, a Botetourt County native and dairy farmer, is the Democratic nominee. Smith is a political neophyte who isn't well-known in civic organizations, but is a young and eager candidate.
In this race, the Republican gets the nod.
Shiflett stresses environmental concerns in talking about his candidacy, an issue that recommends itself, no doubt, because of the tumultuous battle over Roanoke Cement's ill-fated proposal to burn hazardous wastes in the county.
The political ripeness of the issue is no reason to doubt Shiflett's sincerity, however. He speaks passionately about the need for clean water and clean air.
On the other hand, he clearly is not an enemy of growth. He talks excitedly of the advantages Botetourt offers for industry: transportation, with the county's access to rail lines and Interstate 81 and U.S. 220; a ready work force that could be drawn not only from Botetourt but from depressed areas of nearby Covington and Clifton Forge.
Shiflett - wrongly, we believe - opposed the board's decision to build a middle school in southern Botetourt County. He thought the matter should have been put to a referendum, which is hardly a practical way to run county government. Still, a supervisor ostensibly concerned with listening to the voice of the people is an asset.
Smith's repeated theme is keeping the county tax rate low, a commendable goal but one that doesn't distinguish him from other candidates - or probably from anyone, for that matter, who has ever contemplated running for elective office in Botetourt County.
Smith recognizes the need for industrial development in the county, mentioning specifically the need for small businesses to revitalize the town of Buchanan. And whereas Shiflett expresses concerns about declining test scores and discipline in the schools, Smith lauds the high quality of education in the county school system.
Smith is a responsible candidate, with unknown potential. If he wins, he'll need to be a quick study in county government. If he loses, he can build on the political experience he has gained to return later, a more seasoned contender for public office. For now, though, his inexperience and lack of much prior involvement in county affairs ought to give the edge to his opponent.
Keywords:
POLITICS ENDORSEMENT
Memo: ***CORRECTION***