Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 7, 1994 TAG: 9401070238
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Edwards will be a candidate in the Democratic primary, because he believes he can make a contribution to the city as a council member.
Edwards said he wants to help shape a new vision for the city and region, which he described as being at a crossroads.
At a news conference Thursday to open his campaign, Edwards said he will focus on schools, crime and jobs if he wins.
"The most important part of building a prosperous and secure future is a sound educational system. Our public schools daily mold the lives which are our future," he said.
"Having three children in our public schools, and being a product of the city school system myself, I am vitally committed to seeing that all our children have the very best educational opportunities possible."
Edwards said the city's schools and neighborhoods must be free of crime so children can learn in a safe environment and residents will feel secure in their homes.
"Our law-enforcement officials must have the resources to protect our citizens from the fear and threat of crime."
Edwards, who was appointed to the seat vacated when former Vice Mayor Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr. resigned, said he was encouraged to run by the four other Democrats on council.
There are two years remaining in Fitzpatrick's term, but Edwards is running for one of three four-year terms in the March 1 Democratic primary.
Councilman James Harvey and Linda Wyatt, a teacher, are running for Fitzpatrick's seat.
Council appointed Edwards to fill the term until June. When he was chosen, he had made no decision on whether to run for the post.
Councilman Delvis "Mac" McCadden, a Republican, said Edwards would have an unfair advantage over other potential candidates if he ran. But Edwards said he made no promises to either the Democrats or Republicans on running.
Edwards, 50, said he will not be a part of any coalition or informal ticket when four Democrats vie in the primary for the three four-year terms. "I am running on my own."
Edwards, who has been active in Democratic politics for years and ran for Congress in 1992, said he never considered running for council until he was asked to fill the vacancy.
\ JOHN EDWARDS\ DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE\ \ Age: 50.\ \ Hometown: Roanoke.\ \ Professional: Lawyer, former U.S. attorney for Western Virginia.\ \ Education: Princeton University, degree in history; University of Virginia Law School, law degree.\ \ Family: Wife, Cathye, and children, John, 18; Dabney, 15; and Catherine, 11. Civic activities: Former chairman of Roanoke Civic Center Commission; chairman of trustees of Virginia Lutheran Homes; United Way; National Conference of Christians and Jews; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau; former member of the Fifth Planning District Commission.\ \ Political activities: Former chairman of Roanoke and 6th District Democratic committees; former president of Young Democrats of the Roanoke Valley; delegate, Democratic National Convention.
Keywords:
PROFILE POLITICS
by CNB