Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 29, 1994 TAG: 9404290088
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Long
Considering that the consolidation question seemingly was settled in 1983, when citizens in Pulaski County and the towns of Pulaski and Dublin voted it down, it seems a strange issue to be influencing a 1994 race.
Still, it was opposition to the idea of Dublin giving up its charter that caused Colbern Linkous to attend council meetings as a citizen. He also became active in petitioning efforts for more direct citizen involvement in choosing county School Board members.
``I think especially what got me interested ... was this consolidation thing,'' he said. ``That all happened about the time I got retired.'' He had worked at the Lynchburg Foundry in Radford for more than 14 years, a switch from the previous 25 years when he had been a meat cutter and market manager at stores in Fairlawn, Blacksburg and Welch, W.Va.
``He's afraid that consolidation will come up, and I'm afraid it won't come up,'' said Dr. David Stanley, a veterinarian in Dublin for nearly 38 years.
``He feels strongly about some things, and I feel strongly about the same things but I feel the opposite way,'' Stanley said. ``But that can make for a very healthy situation. ... I respect him and I hope he respects me.''
The other candidates are political newcomers Benny P. Skeens, manager for dealer affairs and bulk sales at Huff Petroleum Co.; and Peggy Halsey Hemmings, a fashion advertising and adult living teacher at Pulaski County High School.
They are running for three seats, the ones held by Stanley and Linkous and a third by Elsie Repass who is not seeking re-election.
``I just feel like I might be able to contribute a little bit,'' said Hemmings, a Dublin native and Radford University graduate who has taught at the high school for 17 years.
Her teaching career has spanned a total of 35 years and she likes the field. ``I think you'd have to, to stay in it.'' She has three daughters, now grown and married.
``I just like Dublin, and I'd like to try and help,'' she said. ''I haven't taken any sides yet. I just want to serve.''
Skeens, who worked previously at Radford Arsenal for nine years as a design draftsman and facilities engineer, now works with about 30 petroleum dealers on a daily basis and has also worked at Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp. He said his experience should be helpful in local government.
``I feel like I've got a little taste for it,'' he said. ``I've been real active with the youth in the county.'' He has coached youth recreation sports for 18 years.
Skeens, who has lived in Dublin for all 40 of his years, said he was helped by people when he was young and he wants to give something back to the community. He graduated from Dublin High School in 1972 and New River Community College, with an associate degree in machine technology, in 1983.
His wife is a kindergarten teacher at Dublin Elementary. They have two daughters.
``If I'm elected, fine. If I'm not, I'll support whoever is,'' he said.
Stanley was appointed to council for the remainder of a two-year term in the 1960s, then won two four-year terms in subsequent elections. Six years ago he was appointed again to finish out an unexpired two years, won a four-year term and is now seeking a second one.
``I hate to say I'm that civic-minded, but that has something to do with it,'' he said. ``I feel like, if people want me, they'll tell me by voting for me and I'll do the best I can to make good decisions.''
An Auburn University graduate originally from Alabama, Stanley was working in Bedford County when he learned that a Dublin veterinarian was looking for an associate. He came here in 1957 and has been here ever since.
He and Linkous differed strongly a few years ago when Stanley suggested that the town at least study whether its citizens might be better served by Dublin giving up its charter. After discussion, council decided against the study.
Linkous also opposed the Dublin Police Department dropping its dispatcher and relying on communications from the county Sheriff's Office, but lost that vote.
Dublin had wanted to annex some of the county a few years ago, but backed off when the county declined to negotiate. Linkous wants to see the issue revived, with a smaller amount of territory sought this time.
``At one time, I thought we needed some annexation to build our tax base, to increase it. Now,'' he said, ``we got to have it to safeguard what we've already got.'' He said town businesses are at a disadvantage compared to those on the fringes of town, which should be brought into the corporate limits so they too will pay town taxes.
Linkous, now completing his first four-year council term, has supported cuts in town real estate tax and utility rates, which he said would promote growth by encouraging more business to locate in Dublin. ``If you stop and think about it, our improvements have been made in a period that you call a recession period,'' he said.
A Dublin-first advocate, Linkous has also been a frequent speaker at times in county supervisors' meetings. He has been critical of the school system closing some smaller and older buildings, suggesting instead that the consolidated high school be sold or perhaps used as a courthouse and that the two middle schools be returned to their original high school status since the student population is declining.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB