ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 1, 1996 TAG: 9602010014
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: DUBLIN
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
Nearly 150 people turned out Tuesday night to salute two of Pulaski County's public servants.
The dinner honoring Mason Vaughan, who represented the Massie District for 16 years on the Board of Supervisors, and Ira "Pete" Crawford, who just completed a term as Draper District supervisor, included tributes to both men for their service to their communities.
New River Community College President Ed Barnes said it was appropriate that the celebration be held in Edwards Hall, the college's newest building, "because you helped bring this about." He said it was good to see public servants being honored. "Generally, public servants have to leave town under the cover of darkness!"
Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe Sheffey said Vaughan and Crawford had dedicated their lives to serving folks. Both have served on Pulaski Town Council, New River Valley Planning District Commission, and the Pulaski Encouraging Progress steering committee.
Vaughan has worn so many hats over the years that Nancy Burchette, management services director, presented him with a new hat from the county.
Vaughan, who did not seek re-election last year, served four terms on the board and was its chairman for 12 years. He has been on the county Chamber of Commerce board for 16 years, was a charter member and twice chairman of the New River Resource Authority, and has represented the region for eight years on the Virginia Association of Counties board of directors.
He also was part of the committee that planned the rebuilding of the county's historic Old Courthouse following a fire. "I know the Old Courthouse was special to Mason," Vice Chairman Jerry White said.
Vaughan also served on the New River Community College Educational Foundation, Fairview District Home board, Governor's Manpower Training Council, and Emergency Planning Committee.
"I may get these knees fixed up and run again," Vaughan joked after hearing many spoken tributes.
Crawford, who lost a re-election bid, served on the New River Resource Authority, New River Valley Economic Development Alliance board, and is still on the Peppers Ferry Wastewater Treatment Authority.
Supervisor Bruce Fariss said Crawford, a Pulaski Furniture Corp. executive, has the ability to study enormous amounts of mathematical data "and reduce that down to something that was simple." Assistant County Administrator Peter Huber said that talent proved valuable when the county developed its economic stimulus program, which helped keep the Volvo plant and secure state tax breaks for industry in Enterprise Zones.
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