Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 21, 1994 TAG: 9404210164
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
He is attempting to unseat one of the two incumbents whose terms expire this year - Carl E. Tarpley and W.M. "Mac" Green.
Lautenschlager said that many of the thousands of citizens with whom he has talked have mentioned a desire for an open city government that seeks citizen involvement.
"An open and responsive government will help bind and strengthen our commitment to excellence," he said. "The local level of government requires and demands mutual support and trust between the citizens and their elected leaders."
He said he would work toward publishing City Council meeting agendas and minutes, establishing a "citizens hot line" and creating a local government cable TV channel.
He also advocates public nominations for the many city boards and commissions and would encourage schools' civics and government classes to develop possible government plans and to present them to City Council.
Lautenschlager, the Republican nominee, also would seek wide-ranging improvements in all aspects of Salem life.
"Aging school buildings, inadequate solid waste disposal facilities, overcrowded jail facilities, a lack of developable industrial sites, transportation needs and expansion of water treatment facilities will be on the agenda in the near future," he said.
Promoting economic growth and development and increasing educational and vocational opportunities also are among his goals.
"Salem must be assured of superior educational and career opportunities into the 21st century," he said. "[If elected] I will provide strong and definitive leadership that embraces a vision for the future."
Education is high on his list because it must serve as the cornerstone for future economic development.
"We must prepare future generations to go beyond the fundamentals," he said. "Our educational objectives must instill the ability to reason, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and a devotion to family and community."
Education, the economy and economic growth are linked, he said, and must be developed together.
Lautenschlager favors an advisory referendum on a proposed new baseball stadium in Salem. He also said that if a new baseball park is approved the city should require a long-term lease before construction begins.
He supports professional sports as a means of enhancing the quality of life and offering the Roanoke Valley an opportunity to showcase the community.
Lautenschlager also applauded the present city administration for providing exceptional recreational and athletic opportunities and attracting local, state and national events.
"While we are all proud of the recreational facilities and the successes of the athletic teams, Salem has much more to offer.
"A vibrant business community, superior governmental services, caring and dedicated municipal and school employees and unparalleled educational and vocational opportunities are all characteristics of a community that does not settle for `second best.' "
Lautenschlager's wide experience in activities in Salem qualifies him to be a member of City Council, he said.
"As a past employee of the city [Department of Parks and Recreation] and former chief of the Salem Rescue Squad, I can provide a unique perspective on the operation of our city government," he said. "I have a clear understanding of the needs of our community and with the experience gained through my employment and community service activities, I have the leadership skills necessary to be an effective member of Salem City Council."
\ NAME: Garry Lautenschlager.
\ BIRTH: July 1, 1955, in Charlottesville.
\ EDUCATION: Andrew Lewis High School, Roanoke College.
\ OCCUPATION: President and chief professional officer of the Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council.
\ FAMILY: Wife, Shirley, is secretary/dispatcher at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. Son, Christopher, 5.
\ CIVIC ACTIVITIES: Member of College Lutheran Church, Salem Rescue Squad and several other emergency medical groups, Roanoke Valley division of American Heart Association, Salem Jaycees, Salem Little League, Salem Traffic Safety Committee, Safety Service Committee of American Red Cross, Occupational Advisory Committee for Virginia Western Community College.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB