ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996                TAG: 9603120009
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                PAGE: W-6  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON 

'I BELIEVE IN TAKING CARE OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE'

When personalized license plates first became available more than a decade ago, Harry Haskins rushed to the Division of Motor Vehicles and applied for tags for himself and his wife - "Salem" for his vehicle and "1Salem" for his wife's.

"I love this city. I've dedicated the past 20 years to try to make it better," said Haskins, who retired as the city's police chief last November.

Haskins, who now works part time as safety coordinator for city employees, says he wants to continue serving the citizens of Salem. And he believes he still has a lot to offer.

During his 20 years as police chief, he helped make Salem one of the state's first participants in the Drug Abuse Resistance Program. He also co-founded the city's Camp DARE.

And he has been hailed by the city's School Board for his contributions.

"I believe in taking care of our young people," said Haskins, adding that he wants to ensure that public safety and the DARE programs continue to receive the support they have in the past.

Haskins said he has no complaints about how the city has been run by current council members, In fact, he really doesn't want to run against the incumbents. He's running specifically for the open seat, he said.

But if he is elected, Haskins said it won't be business as usual.

He will examine the current tax rates and the city's spending practices.

"I can't promise anything other than an effort to review them," Haskins said.

Other efforts Haskins promises include: maintaining the "high standard of services" that the city offers, and seeing if there are ways to improve the city's business climate.

"I have shown my dedication to this city," Haskins said of his 20 years as police chief. "And I have that experience to draw from."

HARRY T. HASKINS, JR.

Age: 60

Occupation: Employed part time as Salem's Safety Coordinator. Former Salem Police chief.

Personal: Married, five children

Education: Bachelor's degree from Roanoke College; associate's degree from Virginia Western Community College.

Political background: First try for elective office.

LENGTH: Medium:   53 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  1995 PAUL CALHOUN. Harry T. Haskins Jr.\Former police 
          chief.
KEYWORDS: POLITICS CITY COUNCIL