Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 28, 1995 TAG: 9501300044
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Maurice ``Buck'' Mitchell said Friday that he won't be a candidate in November to keep his post. He has been on the board nearly six years.
He is the third board member to give up a seat since the county switched to an elected board.
Mitchell cited his displeasure at the thought of having to campaign to keep his position as one reason for his decision.
``I just don't have the time to campaign, raise money and do the other things that you have to do to run for office,'' he said.
Mitchell, who owns an insurance and financial resource firm, also cited family responsibilities, saying he has three daughters in college.
``I just don't have the time that would be needed,'' he said.
Mitchell opposed the switch to an elected board. So did Barbara ``Bootie'' Chewning and Charlsie Pafford, who did not seek re-election last fall.
In the Windsor Hills District, Tom Leggette succeeded Pafford, and Michael Stovall won the Vinton seat that had been held by Chewning.
In Hollins, incumbent Jerry Canada was unopposed.
Chairman Frank Thomas' Catawba seat also will be up for election in November. He is the senior board member, having served almost 12 years, including 10 as chairman.
Thomas has not disclosed his plans. He is the third generation of Thomases to serve on the board. HIs grandmother was a member in the 1950s and 1960s. His uncle, Joe Thomas, was on the board in the 1970s.
Frank Thomas is vice president of a family-owned excavation business.
No potential candidates have emerged in the Cave Spring or Catawba districts, but Mitchell's decision not to run could create more interest from would-be candidates. To run, a candidate needs to collect the signatures of 125 voters.
There is no provision for political parties to nominate candidates, but they can endorse them. The county chairmen of both major parties endorsed Leggette in the recent election.
by CNB