THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 11, 1995 TAG: 9510100067
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
THE ELECTION PACE hasn't picked up, yet.
But two weeks before the Nov. 7 election, Isle of Wight County Democratic Committee Chairman Steve Edwards will be digging his heels into the election process and rallying for his party.
``It's the last two weeks before an election that people really begin listening to the candidates,'' Edwards said. ``It's a time when votes can be swayed. People aren't listening right now.''
Edwards said the contested sheriff's race should bring a strong voter turnout to the polls.
``A contested sheriff's race has always drawn big numbers of people,'' he said.
To help the Isle of Wight residents key in on the candidates, the Isle of Wight Democratic Committee will sponsor a candidate's forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the circuit courtroom at the Isle of Wight County Courthouse.
Edwards said candidates from the board of supervisor's race, the sheriff's race and the 13th District state senate seat have been invited to attend the forum.
Candidates will make opening remarks and be asked questions by opponents. Questions also will be taken from the audience.
``Everybody, regardless of their station in life, should reach as high as they can,'' Edwards said. ``The Democratic Party is the best way to see that happen.''
Name: Steve Edwards.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? My ancestors have lived in Isle of Wight since the 17th century.
Birthdate: Dec. 24, 1959.
Hometown: Smithfield.
What's your fondest childhood memory? Riding a horse in the Christmas parade when I was 2.
Marital status: Married.
Children: Two.
Pets: One squirrel dog, one coon dog, one pet dog, a cat or two and about 20 deer hounds.
First job: Picking up eggs at a chicken farm after school.
Worst job: Assistant director of Jamestown Festival Park.
Occupation: Attorney.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? College professor.
Favorite hangout: Barlow's Grocery at Burwell's Bay.
Favorite night out on the town: Pick up my daughters early, get a truckload of hounds and get a chase going.
Favorite food and drink: Sushi and iced tea.
Book you wish everyone would read: ``Lincoln at Gettysburg'' by Gary Wills.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Going to Louisiana to hunt wild hogs.
Few people know that: I exercise very hard. I am the healthiest fat person in Isle of Wight.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? If I won the lottery, I'd be very surprised because I've never purchased a lottery ticket.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice that I have ever received was when Fred Thompson urged me to run for the Windsor seat on the Board of Supervisors.
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? I am rather cautious and rarely make a mistake as a result of being impulsive.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? Newt Gingrich because someone desperately needs to trade places with him.
Of what achievements are you most proud? I breed good dogs and spectacular daughters. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
by CNB