Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 21, 1995 TAG: 9504210104
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Former Sheriff Frank Conner surprised the party by announcing on the spot that he would seek the Democratic nod for the Massie District seat on the county Board of Supervisors. His announcement came seconds after four-term Supervisor Mason Vaughan had told the crowd he would not run again.
Treasurer Rose Marie Tickle, Sheriff Ralph Dobbins and Cloyd District Supervisor Joe Sheffey formally announced before the friendly crowd that they would all be candidates for re-election.
It was then that Vaughan told those gathered in the New River Room of the Old Courthouse he had something to say as well. When Democratic Party Chairman Michael Barbour suggested that Vaughan's announcement might be made separately, Vaughan said that he "might hold up some other people who aren't moving" by delaying.
"I think most everybody knows I'm not going to run again," said Vaughan, who also served on Pulaski Town Council for eight years. He noted that he is into his 16th year as a supervisor "and I think it's time for somebody else."
Somebody else turned up immediately. Since Vaughan had made his announcement, Conner told the gathering, "I fully intend to run for the Massie District of the Board of Supervisors."
Conner was sheriff of the county from 1977 to 1990, when he retired and Dobbins was appointed to the office. Dobbins then won a full term.
Since retiring, Conner worked for three years in security at Pulaski County High School. He had worked for the Department of Corrections at the prison camp near Dublin from 1959 to 1964, and as a deputy from 1964 until his election as sheriff.
After some 30 years in local corrections and law enforcement, he said, "I think I have enough knowledge of the county to do you a good job. If I am elected, I promise you I'll do my best."
Sheffey and Vaughan are on the Board of Supervisors with three Republicans: Chairman Jerry White, Dr. Bruce Fariss and Ira S. "Pete" Crawford. The three men have not yet announced whether they will run for re-election.
Both parties have their mass meetings to select candidates scheduled for May 15.
Sheffey, who will seek a third term, said his priority when he first ran was the education of county young people "and it still is today." He said education is essential for jobs, since a good school system is the first requirement of potential new employers.
Sheffey, also chairman of the New River Valley Planning District Commission, said the board must continue strenuous efforts to bring in new employers and assist those already here. He said other needed efforts involve waste disposal "with maximum safety and minimum cost" and recreational opportunities.
Tickle, now completing her eighth year as treasurer, said she would seek a third term and hoped to continue running the office in a professional manner.
Dobbins, accompanied by some of his staff, said people told him when he followed Conner "that I'd have big shoes to fill, and they weren't kidding."
The state tried to reduce his force by five deputies when he came into office. But, with help from state Sen. Madison Marye, D-Shawsville, and the local governing body, he was able to keep them and has since added eight more for a total of 65, he said.
"This announcement today, it is to put Ralph Dobbins' name on the ballot, but it's a run for 65 employees of the Sheriff's Office," he said.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB