ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 21, 1996 TAG: 9602210024
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
John A. Johnston, a retired educator and veteran Pulaski Town Council member, has become the first council member to formally announce that he plans to seek re-election in the May 7 elections.
E.G. "Junior" Black, who is completing his first term on council, has said he does not plan to run again "but I'm helping those who are." Black was the leading vote-getter in the election four years ago.
Johnston is three months away from completing a two-year term to which he was appointed when J.R. Schrader resigned from council halfway through his term. But Johnston had served previously on council for 12 years.
He is chairman of its Utilities Committee, and said he hoped to work with town officials to upgrade sewer and water service in the years ahead.
"Our water system has an excellent source of good clean water but I feel we can deliver it to our citizens more efficiently, by upgrading our lines and stopping leaks in the system," he said.
Johnston also serves as secretary of the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority, which treats Pulaski's wastewater.
He is on the board of directors of Premier Bank of Pulaski, Wytheville and Bluefield and is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pulaski. He's also an avid golfer and amateur photographer.
"If I am elected to the Town Council, I will do all I can to help make Pulaski an even better community and one we will all be proud to call home," he said.
Johnson retired from the Pulaski County school system in 1991, when he was its finance director. Previously he had been principal of Central Elementary School for 10 years and Critzer Elementary School, when it replaced Central, for 17 years.
Candidates for council have until March 5 to collect the signatures of 125 registered voters supporting their candidacy. Johnston said it is necessary to collect more than that number, in case some of the petition signers aren't qualified.
Others whose terms expire this year are Alma Holston and Roy D'Ardenne. Mayor Andy Graham has announced his intention to seek another term.
Dublin Mayor Benny Keister has not formally announced but has filed for re-election, as have Dublin council members Sam Gregory and Dave Farmer. The remaining Dublin council seat to be filled in May is held by Alden Hankla.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB