ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050108
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER
The town of Pulaski got a new mayor Tuesday.
John A. Johnston, a member of Pulaski Town Council, was recommended for the post by the town's Human Resources Committee following a closed session to discuss the matter. The council vote for him was unanimous except for Johnston himself, who abstained.
Johnston succeeds Andrew Graham, who resigned at the end of January for health reasons. Graham is facing surgery that would have kept him away from upcoming discussions on the town's 1997-98 budget.
The Human Resources Committee will meet again next Tuesday to discuss an appointment for the council vacancy created when Johnston became mayor.
"I regret that I came to this office by the way I came to it," Johnston said. "I would prefer that Mr. Graham continue to be here to lead us."
Johnston was appointed to serve the rest of Graham's term, which expires in mid-1998.
Johnston retired as Pulaski County school system finance director in 1991. He had been principal of Central Elementary School for 10 years and Critzer Elementary School, which replaced Central, for 17 years. He has served about 14 years on council at different times.
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB