Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 11, 1995 TAG: 9510110036
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Age: 36
Occupation: Director, Straight Street youth outreach ministry; part-time youth pastor, Abundant Life Ministries in Pilot
Education: Two vo-tech degrees; Bible theology degree, LIFE Bible College East; currently seeking counseling degree from International Bible College and Seminary
Family: Married to Janelle, a teacher at Dayspring Christian Academy; one daughter who attends Dayspring
Community ties: Member, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce; involved with youth retreats and workshops
Ever attended a School Board meeting?: Occasionally, to watch how the meetings are conducted
Last book read: "Life on the Edge," Dr. James Dobson
Campaign method: Door-to-door, phone calls
Core beliefs: Fighting for parents' right to make choices in their children's education. For example, allowing parents to "opt-in" to family life education gives parents more control over what should be discussed in their own home.
Why is he the best candidate? After working with Montgomery County youth for almost 10 years, he can represent the wishes of area parents and students. "They don't think anybody's listening. If we learn to listen more and talk less, we'll get on the same page."
\ Name: Bernard Jortner
Age 61
Occupation Virginia Tech professor of pathology
Education: B.S., Veterinary College at University of Pennsylvania; master's degree, University of Connecticut; post-doctoral work, Yale University; doctorate of veterinary medicine from University of Pennsylvania.
Family: Married to Carol, a teacher at Riner and Bethel elementary schools; father of three grown children
Community ties: Member of the Blacksburg Jewish Community Center; former member of the PTA
Ever attended a school board meeting?: Jortner has occasionally gone to meetings when specific issues - such as budget discussions or the holiday naming controversy - have been of interest.
Last book read: "In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam" by Robert McNamara
Campaign method: Door-to-door
Core beliefs: "As a representative of the parents, [school board members should] do more to get parents involved." Jortner said he plans to attend PTA meetings and visit schools.
Why is he the best candidate? "I started teaching in 1966. I have an appreciation for teaching and for the programs that enhance interaction between teachers and students."
\ Name: Oscar Williams
Age: 54
Occupation: Director, Virginia Tech's Institute for Youth and Minority Entrepreneurship
Education B.S., Alabama A&M; master's degree, Tulane University; doctorate in education, Virginia Tech
Family: Divorced, father of three grown children
Community ties: President, Mental Health Services; founder, Christiansburg Ruritan Club; board member, Rose L. Peters playground; chairman, Montgomery County Human Relations Council.
Ever attended a School Board meeting?: Occasionally, depending on the issue
Last book read: "Men are from Mars, Women are From Venus," by John Gray
Campaign method: Plans to hold neighborhood meetings and is conducting phone banks
Core beliefs: Equalizing opportunities in education throughout the county. "Facilities, standard courses and educational opportunities offered in one school should be offered in all."
Why is he the best candidate? "My whole struggle to become educated indicates my interest in people and education." Williams grew up in Green County, Ala., (then the fifth poorest county in America) and worked as a barber to get through college. He served two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica and Ecuador and has been involved with education ever since.
Keywords:
POLITICS PROFILE
Memo: ***CORRECTION***