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

DATE: FRIDAY, October 29, 1993                   TAG: 9310290218
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

`VISION' FORESEES RICHMOND VOICE

A stronger lobbying effort for Western Virginia in the General Assembly could be a byproduct of the New Century Council's development of an economic vision for the Roanoke and New River valleys.

Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr., director of the council, said Thursday night there is no unified lobbying in Richmond by the localities in the region, although they share many problems.

As a result of the New Century planning process, Fitzpatrick said, the localities might band together to seek funds and legislation.

"I can foresee that happening," Fitzpatrick said. "That could be a recommendation by one of the task forces as the planning process goes forth."

The need for a united lobbying effort has become more crucial in Western Virginia because many localities are either losing population or showing little growth.

Political power has shifted to other areas of the state, which are growing and gaining legislators.

Speaking to the Fifth Planning District Commission, Fitzpatrick said the New Century Council might expand its territory at some point.

"If it works, it would be our hope to expand," Fitzpatrick said, adding this could include the Alleghany Highlands area.

The council's territory extends from Botetourt County to Pulaski County. Alleghany County, Clifton Forge and Covington are members of the Fifth Planning District Commission, but they were not asked to join the New Century Council.

Fitzpatrick said the Roanoke and New River valleys contain the most diverse group of localities ever to try to develop a regional economic vision and strategy. Similar plans have been developed in other parts of the country, but they have usually involved metropolitan areas, he said.

If the New Century Council does nothing else, Fitzpatrick said, he hopes it will create an environment that will provide jobs so young people won't have to leave home.

Fitzpatrick said the planning process will probably involve 600 to 700 people in the region before the task is finished.

Fitzpatrick said that existing agencies and organizations will have key roles in the effort to achieve the goals of the New Century Council.

"The visioning process is built on a can-do attitude, a can-do spirit," he said. "We are not going to stand around and let someone else deal us the cards. We are going to pick our cards and determine our future."

by CNB