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

DATE: FRIDAY, October 29, 1993                   TAG: 9310290071
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BELL WANTS LESS-LUXURIOUS MEETING SITE

State Sen. Brandon Bell says the Virginia Association of Counties is wasting taxpayers' money by holding its annual meeting at the four-star Homestead resort in Hot Springs.

"At a time when the majority of individual constituents cannot afford the cost of the Homestead, we should not be sending local leaders to the resort at a cost of $220 per night to conduct government business," Bell, a Roanoke County Republican, said.

Bell said the association should postpone the conference, scheduled for Nov. 7-9, so that a more affordable site can be found.

Jim Campbell, executive director of the association, disputed Bell's claim that the Homestead was out of line with other hotels.

The conference rate - which includes two meals a day - is only $110 for individuals at the Homestead, Campbell said.

"We feel like we have a very comfortable rate," he said.

The association has looked for other locations, but has not found one that would be both large enough for 750 participants and significantly less expensive, he said.

Campbell said it was "ironic" that Bell would want Southwest Virginia to lose a convention that helps the Bath County economy.

"I would not want to take a big conference away from the region that is being paid for by private business," Bell said. "But this one is being supported by taxpayers. That is the difference."

by CNB