THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605020556
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 41 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Decision '96
Election Guide
LENGTH: Long : 750 lines
[QUESTIONS]
Political experience/community service:
Your vision: how you would achieve it; qualities you possess to get it done?
Issues on which you would vote against personal beliefs if the public disagreed?
What two promises wil you make? How will you keep citizens informed?
Your top two priorities for city schools; how would you address them?
One thing you would do to improve academic achievement; one curriculum change?
One thing you would do to make schools safer?
How would you address pressing maintenance problems in a poor school district?
[ANSWERS]
JESSE G. ALSPAUGH JR.
Age: 72
Portsmouth resident: 72 years
Education: University of Virginia
Occupation: Retired manufacturer's representative
Party affiliation: Independent
Political experience: None
Children in school? No
I teach reading to students from various walks of life. Paired reader at John Tyler Elementary School.
We will have by the year 1998 some of the best facilities in the state, and my vision is we may be able to acquire the best-qualified teachers to teach a curriculum challenging to the students that would be pursued with enthusiasm.
This is a tough question and one I believe most of us find hard to outright answer until the problem is in front of us. None of us know how we will react to any given situation until confronted with one.
No compromising: My integrity, honesty and legality to cause.
To do the best job I can and keep them informed of problems I feel can adversely affect the school system.
Academics and healthy attitude towards achieving academic goals, and instill pride in the institution and themselves.
Increase homework assignments and seek support of all parents to ensure work is completed on time; return to the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, and teach pride in the students.
Seek from the PTAs support in policing the schools through volunteers who may have time to monitor hallways in between classes.
It may be necessary to consolidate certain schools to maintain living conditions and a proper academic atmosphere to enhance the learning and teaching of our young people.
N. GAILE BISHOP
Age: 46
Portsmouth resident: 23 years
Education: Deep Creek High School; attended Portsmouth Police Citizen Police Academy, Roanoke Bible College, Blacksburg Polytechnic Institute
Occupation: Teaches piano and voice.
Party affiliation: None
Political experience: None
Children in school? No
Community activist; advocacy for developmentally challenged; tax preparation for seniors and the disabled; tutor children in math skills.
Specialized, diverse, well-maintained schools; capable, certified teachers. Expand Magnet schools; . . . City Council to pursue revenue from government-owned property; in-school suspension; after-school activities; system of checks and balances. Have focus, desire, willingness; use of TQM, educational psychology; ability to prepare and balance budgets; clerical skills and good communication skills.
Yes, if the public truly wanted the children in uniform and I felt they should dress as individuals, I would be compelled to honor their wishes. No compromising: Safety, quality of curriculum, the rights of others and the people's trust.
I will have an open-door policy. I will address your questions and suggestions with an open mind. Would keep you informed by the use of phone, fax and newsletter.
Vocational and technical training is a must. In-school suspension with counseling for troubled youth. I would address it together because on both hands these youth are getting lost in the system.
I would use textbooks that would require a child to use their cognitive skills; and positive reinforcement. A curriculum in social skills to include protocol, stress management, public speaking and behavior management.
Increase security to include video surveillance in strategic locations such as hallways and stairways with centralized monitors for quick access to the troubled areas.
Request council to pursue revenue for government-owned properties.
JAMES E. BRIDGEFORD
Age: 52
Portsmouth resident: 25 years
Education: Norfolk public schools; B.S. accounting, Norfolk State; further study at Old Dominion; various government schools including Department of Defense Military Comptroller School
Occupation: Systems accountant, Norfolk Naval Station
Party affiliation: Independent; endorsements include The Portsmouth Committee and the Portsmouth Education Association.
Political experience: Incumbent, board vice chairman
Children in school? No
In the last three months I have served on the School Board, visited six to eight schools as a board member, participated in the reading programs of two schools, and kept score at half time at the PIT for the Mayor's Shutout.
I see the future boards constantly improving the strategic plan to improve student achievement. . . . I see the possibility of open enrollment for the middle and high schools. I will continue to carry the message on what we have accomplished, what we hope to accomplish and seek citizens' help. I will continue to look at the . . . effects the decisions will have. . . .
I do not know of an issue that I would vote against my personal beliefs. . have heard all of the facts and all sides of the issue. I'm not willing to compromise the safety of our students and personnel. We should do everything possible to provide a safe environment, free of weapons and drugs.
The only promise I think that I can really make is that I will work as hard as possible for the students and citizens to ensure we continue to get the maximum out of what we are given to work with. I think the citizens that are interested will keep track.
Maintenance and renovations of the buildings. We have to go back to the drawing board and present an updated plan. We will have to solicit citizen support as we did before. The citizens must support this in order for it to materialize.
The parents are the key to improving academic achievement. The majority of parents embrace the school system K-5. But when the student gets to middle school the parent lets go, student is on his own and the problems begin or grow. . . . Students need to know an education is important at all levels. .
I would like to have paraprofessionals or a teaching assistant in all classrooms in the middle and high schools. . . . This second person could help give extra attention needed at this level. . . . Majority should be a male figure: Lack of respect seems to be the biggest problem at these levels. Also, large influx of volunteers into classrooms would curtail this problem.
(Same as his top two priorities response, plus this comment:) What we are putting off today will get more expensive tomorrow. We are addressing this issue with the City Council now and it is not the first time.
ELIZABETH DANIELS
Age- 57
Portsmouth resident: 5 years
Education: B.S. biochemistry, Tennessee State University; master's in biochemistry, Howard University; Ph.D in organic chemistry, University of California Riverside; doctor of dental medicine, University of Connecticut
Occupation: Dentist
Party affiliation; endorsements as of April 14: Independent; no endorsements
Political experience: None
Children in school? No
Member, Portsmouth Community Curriculum Advisory committee; since 1994 chair of Church and Community in Action's education committee; visited Norcom High to discuss excitement, significance of working in health care and science; adviser to student on recent science project; accepted a student in dental assisting school to do her internship in my office, 1995-96.
For Portsmouth to achieve an improved and progressive economic status. My role will be to help improve the quality of Portsmouth's schools. . . . The special qualities I have to help achieve this are my extensive academic training and relevant job experiences which have prepared me for all aspects of School Board activity.
I have never been presented with issues where personal beliefs were factors. I approach policy making with well-defined objectives and an open mind. . . . I am unwilling to compromise my integrity. I have worked with groups that set (educational) policies. . . . I viewed the process as one of logic and felt no sense of compromise except as dictated by a lack of resources.
I promise to use all of the skills and judgment obtained through my education and work experiences to help improve Portsmouth's schools. I promise to work very hard and to communicate with the schools and parent organizations.
The two most urgent problems are money and improved student performance. I would encourage acceptance of all available federal money and I would stay in touch with those involved in formulation and instruction of the revised curriculum guidelines. Assistance will be made available for application of the guidelines.
Each course should cover all essential concepts of the curriculum guidelines. . . . Many students attempt new courses without the proper background. . . . One curriculum change which is severely needed is the addition of modern vocational education. . . . Obviously, a sustained and significant volume of money is required to make this happen.
Proper air conditioning is needed to keep the air safe for the students' health. I would work toward properly functioning air conditioning for all school buildings.
Some of the schools requiring major work are the reopened neighborhood schools. As a Portsmouth resident, I disagreed with reopening them because Portsmouth . . . (could not pay) for capital improvements. Perhaps it will be necessary to consolidate students into fewer schools and use our limited resources to improve a few schools.
DOUGLAS N. EAMES
Age: 40
Portsmouth resident: 9 years
Education: B.S. in engineering, minor in government/law, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; candidate for MBA and MS (education) at Old Dominion
Occupation: Self-employed consultant for business operations, marketing and engineering services; Coast Guard Reserve officer
Party affiliation: Republican; endorsed by the Republican Party and The Portsmouth Committee
Political experience: None
Children in school? Three at Churchland Elementary
Active in a School Improvement Team, School Mentoring/Tutor program, PTA, Cub Scouts, Youth Recreational and Select Soccer and church activities to include counseling, Sunday school teacher, Christian financial planning and weekly youth activities.
Within five years, Portsmouth will be an attractive place for new families to relocate to. Portsmouth Public Schools will be a model system. The community will be fully involved . . . from elementary through high school. Standardized testing scores will be the best in Tidewater. Our schools will attract new families, the best teachers and new businesses.
I will endeavor to represent the public through examination of all facts and opinions. If I am wrong, I will admit it and correct myself. I am not willing to compromise on safety (to include keeping our schools drug- and weapons-free). I am not willing to compromise on the School Board's financial responsibility (budget requests and oversight) to the citizens.
I promise to represent the citizens of Portsmouth in securing needs of our school system (budget, maintenance, curriculum, personnel and operations). I promise to increase ``quality'' programs in our schools which will promote centers of excellence allowing students and teachers to excel and achieve.
My top two priorities are safety and reduced class size. Current safety program is working well: the key is to maintain standards and increase the number of teachers, parents, volunteers, community representatives . . . to help maintain order. . . . Reduced class size can be accomplished by increasing the number of teachers, paraprofessionals and volunteers.
The student-to-teacher ratio . . . is too high, . . . especially in elementary and middle schools. We need more volunteers to assist teachers. We need to expand mentor/tutor and sponsorship programs to get the community into our schools. I recommend an increased emphasis on reading, writing, arithmetic and computer operation/science in the elementary and middle schools.
I would recommend that students have an assigned place to be at all times and that teachers/monitors enforce the attendance requirements. Too often, students are left to their own accord and are not accountable for their whereabouts.
Maintenance dollars are essential and should not be diverted. I recommend the School Board establish a building maintenance fund, utilized specifically for maintaining our facilities. This fund should be allowed to grow if the funds are not completely expended each year. . . . We need to take maintenance seriously.
VICTOR W. GOODMAN
Age: 57
Portsmouth resident: 28 years
Education: Three years college
Occupation: Retired health care administrator
Party affiliation: None; endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association Political Action Committee.
Political experience: None
Children in school? No
Portsmouth Better Beginnings, Ryan White Consortium, Portsmouth Elks, Knights of Columbus, St. Therese's Church, Virginia Public Health Association
I want Portsmouth to become a healthy city through education and community participation in improving the violence, high unemployment and health statistics. This way we would attract more people to live here and establish business.
Yes. Improved health education curriculum as an elective with parental consent. No compromising: Decreased funding for education.
1. Be available; 2. Always keep the best interest of the children first. Newsletter, newspaper, Channel 47.
1. Maintain fiscal integrity; review expenditures on a regular basis.
2. Improve building maintenance; meet with the city management team to have the funds put aside.
Find a program that would help students set goals and how to reach those goals. Curriculum: I would need to look at all areas. I would need to see what is working and what is not.
Enforce discipline in the schools.
Keep lobbying the city to set aside capital improvement dollars for maintenance.
LAWRENCE W. I'ANSON JR.
Age: 59
Portsmouth resident: 8 years (after 30 years away in the Navy).
Education: Woodrow Wilson High, Portsmouth; B.A., political science, Duke University; masters in oceanography, Naval Postgraduate School; education course work, University of Southern Mississippi
Occupation: Retired Navy captain; president, Beazley Foundation
Party affiliation: Independent; endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association, The Portsmouth Committee
Political experience: School Board member last three years
Children in school? No
For the last three years, I have worked weekly at the Zion Baptist Church Drop-In Center, at the Winter Homeless Shelter when it was at First Presbyterian Church and served on the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament executive board coordinating advertisement sales and participating in player selection.
Every school in Portsmouth a center of excellence, with its own unique character. I foresee open enrollment for all schools and zones. . . . I have almost 40 years experience managing money and people. . . . I have shown on the School Board that I will ask the tough questions, take a stand for what I believe is best for all students, and I can work with others to accomplish a common goal.
. . . I cannot think of an issue on which I would vote against my personal beliefs if the public disagreed. School Board members are responsible for doing what they believe to be best for all students. I am not willing to compromise in providing safe, drug- and weapons-free schools . . . or in budget submissions and financial accounting and reporting.
I promise I will continue to require clear and accurate monthly financial reports and will work to ensure that we make the best use of our maintenance dollars.
Safe and well-maintained schools. We need to be firm in our discipline in the classroom requiring adherence to the rules and regulations, respect for authority from students and respect by the staff for students and parents. I have been outspoken about the need for preventive maintenance; I will continue to support it.
. . . I would promote more volunteers in the classroom and encourage more after-school tutorial programs. . . . I am not aware of any change in the curriculum that is needed or advocated by educators or parents, unless it's including creationism. . . . I am not promoting the change, but I do believe the board needs to be open to the views of the community on this subject.
I resist establishing armed bastions. Some problems with student safety arise from lack of controlled access. I would limit the number of doors through which students and staff could enter or leave the school. I would ensure that the other doors were locked from the inside with provision for emergency use, and I would alarm those doors.
We must make certain the City Council understands the need and the consequences of not performing preventive maintenance. . . . All of the increased funding in our budget proposal . . . was for preventive maintenance deferred because of limited funds in past years. Eventually, neglected maintenance will result in high-cost emergency repairs, requiring cuts in other items.
B. KEITH NANCE SR.
Age: 36
Portsmouth resident: 36 years.
Education: I.C. Norcom High School, 1978; various college studies
Occupation: Financial services, marketing and instruction; insurance
Party affiliation: Non-partisan; no endorsements
Political experience: Helped lead petition for elected school boards, as well as the referendum.
Children in school? One at Olive Branch Elementary
Board member, local Red Cross chapter; president, Park Manor Civic Club; vice chairman, Community Schools oversight committee and Olive Branch PTA; last three months worked PTA, civic club, (school) oversight committee and Red Cross. Also, assisted several medical assistance recipients in the recent transition to managed health care.
I hope for a city that can return its schools to a small-town atmosphere, a school system that can become a tool for economic development, a school system that can prepare graduates for college or the work force.
Absolutely not in the case of morals and beliefs. The only matters I would compromise on are issues of overwhelming public support when the children would benefit.
I promise to treat the citizens with dignity and compassion. I also promise to ensure that the system treats citizens in a like fashion. I would invite all to board meetings to observe and comment.
Safe schools - zero tolerance for violence and unacceptable behavior. Vocational education - we need to explore reopening a fourth high school to once again focus on vocational education.
If we remove the violence and unacceptable behavior, that would create an environment (for achievement). Institute vocational education. I would like to reopen a vo-tech center and provide school-to-work programs.
Encourage board to adopt zero tolerance policy against violence and unacceptable behavior.
First, this school system needs to stop wasting money at the top, i.e. travel and perks. Not fill top paid vacancies. Aggressively pursue funding alternatives. Encourage public to lobby the City Council. The problem is all the wasted funds in the past.
MARY E. ``BECKY'' NELSON
Age: 39
Portsmouth resident: 5 years.
Education: B.A., political science, East Carolina University; master's in administration, Central Michigan University
Occupation: Administrative assistant to department manager, IMANPY, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth
Party affiliation: None
Political experience: None
Children in school? No
Board member, Hodges Manor Civic League; choir member, Church of St. Therese; I recently assisted in organizing the forum held by the league highlighting the City Council.
My most pertinent vision for Portsmouth is to upgrade the educational reputation of the city. Portsmouth has so much to offer and a less than effective public relations policy at present. The school system must become reliable and comparable to other systems in the region. I plan to push for equal pay for the teachers and equal consideration for the schools.
I have a problem with committing additional funds to programs that have failed to show a significant increase in student comprehension or an improvement in test scores. . . . However, if it is the will of the majority that these programs continue, I will defer final judgment to a later date. No compromising: teacher salaries must increase.
1. To reflect, as well as I am able, the views of my constituency.
2. To be the ``squeaky wheel'' that neither the City Council, the city manager nor the mayor can ignore or pacify.
I intend to make my presence known at all City Council meetings where any school policy or budget questions are discussed.
1. Bringing standardized and SAT scores up to the national average.
2. Reinstitution of vocational education that actually assists the student in achieving a vocation.
Insure the hiring of qualified, dedicated teachers by paying a competitive wage. Curriculum: In a ``poor'' school district, I have to feel that a concentration on basic education rather than gross overexpenditures on special programs is what is necessary to achieve some type of competitiveness with other schools in the region.
Safer schools will not be achieved by hiring more security or installing more metal detectors. Schools will become safer only when students become involved in the process. The current method of insuring school safety is an adversarial one. I recommend some type of student-monitored security and an honor system that students feel they can support.
(Building) I.C. Norcom High School . . . was imprudent and ill-advised, . . for funds earmarked for waterfront improvement. The School Board, from this point forward, must be proactive and must not allow the priorities of a few special interests to interfere with adequate funding for the schools.
KAREN S. JORDAN
Age: 41
Portsmouth resident: 23 years.
Education: Great Bridge High School, 1973
Occupation: Professional volunteer; homemaker
Party affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: member, Portsmouth Democratic Committee; worked on Gary Waters, Billy Moore, Johnny Joannou campaigns, plus Chuck Robb and local elections as well.
Children in school? One at Woodrow Wilson High
In the past three months I have helped the elderly in my neighborhood. I worked to help clean up behind the Food Lion. I also informed my civic members about all candidates.
We need to work toward a goal of making our school system one that each citizen would be proud to call their own. We need to. We need programs which highlight our children's talents and abilities, and give them the opportunity to grow and express themselves.
None. I believe that making sure our children are given the opportunity to learn educational basics at an early age is of paramount importance and cannot be compromised to the whims of the establishment every time a new and politically correct methodology becomes popular.
I promise to remain in close contact with citizens in my city and to be held accountable for my actions on the School Board. I will personally write letters to civic clubs to keep them informed on what is being accomplished.
One priority will be to retain our best teachers making sure they have the materials they need to teach effectively. Another priority will be to work toward safer schools that are free of drugs and guns.
In order to improve academic standards, we must make sure we have teachers of the highest caliber. Curriculum change: more arts programs in our schools.
Schools could be made safer immediately by requiring staff members to be more visible in the hallways and restrooms during class changes.
In order to find funding for necessary maintenance work, we must examine our expenses from the top down and make sure we are getting the most bang for our buck. In some cases, hard choices will have to be made in order to maintain our schools.
DAVID I. JOYNER
Age: 59
Portsmouth resident: 38 years.
Education: B.S. in education, Virginia Tech; master's in educational administration, College of William and Mary; doctorate in education, Virginia Tech
Occupation: Professor of educational curriculum and instruction, Old Dominion University
Party affiliation; Independent; endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association
Political experience: None
Children in school? No
Churchland Baptist Church, Face-to-Face With Race program, Portsmouth homeless shelter, former president of Edgefield Civic League
Portsmouth should be a model urban restoration city. Business and industry will be attracted only if high quality schools exist. Budget and action priorities should be adjusted to make this happen. Teachers are the key to quality education. We must have competitive salaries to attract or retain good teachers.
No! No compromising on: The interests and beliefs of the citizens of Portsmouth.
1. To make a real difference in providing quality schools.
2. Be a citizen's advocate (respond to all questions).
1. Provide the best and brightest teachers possible.
2. Provide reasonable and safe school facilities. Seek School Board and City Council action to obtain necessary resources.
Quality teachers are the key to quality education. Provide competitive salaries to hire new teachers and to keep the good ones already teaching. Curriculum: . . . More emphasis on the basic literacy skills and a school-to-work program are needed.
Install electronic surveillance equipment in middle schools and high schools and on school buses.
Better decisions need to be made in respect to the maintenance of school buildings. A long-term schedule should be developed with follow-through by council and board. This is a critical need which has been ignored too long.
ELIJAH ``BUDDY'' SHARP
Age: 39
Portsmouth resident: 29 years.
Education: B.S., Morgan State University, Baltimore; juris doctorate, Antioch School of Law, Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Professor of continuing education, Hampton University; outreach coordinator, Youthbuild grant program, Hampton University; coach, I.C. Norcom High School
Party affiliation: Independent
Political experience: None
Children in school? No
President, United Civic League of Cavalier Manor; founder/president, Cavalier Manor Men's Forum; founder of four sports programs; liaison for Little League football and baseball; member, NAACP; volunteer reader at Lakeview Elementary for three years; member, Mentorship Program, W.E. Waters and S.H. Clarke Academy; member, Cultural Diversity Action Team
A working Portsmouth; working with tourism; working to attract business and industry to train their future employees through school-to-work programs. I work with grants and developmental skill programs. I have the inside knowledge to get it done. I also have the educational background to assist a city in need.
I will not vote against my personal beliefs. I will not compromise a solid education for Portsmouth's youth.
I will promise to work to bring a school-to-work program to Portsmouth.
I will report progress before City Council.
School-to-work; one-on-one tutorial for at risk students in middle school.
Allow students to learn with hands-on technique. I would have internships and work-site visits to make a positive change to a curriculum that is trying to do good.
Did not answer.
I would write grants nationally and locally (Beazley Foundation) to get foundations and other organizations involved.
M.B. ``RANDI'' STRUTTON
Age: 49
Portsmouth resident: 22 years
Education: Cradock High, 1965; B.A. in English, UNC at Greensboro, '69; master's in English, Old Dominion, '72
Occupation: Former teacher (public schools, community college, university) and business partner; currently homemaker, community activist
Party affiliation: None
Political experience: Mayor's liaison to Leadership Review Board of the Elizabeth River Project
Children in school? No
Partial list: In 1993, initiated and directed, in partnership with Portsmouth Public Schools, award-winning research project examining the vision/learning link; for six years was a volunteer tutor for non-reading adults in our city; as president of the new Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation, coordinated efforts to acquire the habitat for animals and people of Portsmouth..
I envision Portsmouth as a prettier, busier, safer place to live, a city that achieves peace, prosperity, and harmony, if we improve education in our city. . . . We must improve instruction and design a curriculum that integrates core academics, citizenship, and workmanship. I will bring to the board a life-time of commitment to education . . . and a new ``can do'' attitude.
I think I would be reasonably flexible about ``extra-curricular'' issues. For example, though I personally do not like school uniforms, I would not deny a request for uniforms from a school and community who wants them. No comprising on: all issues involving safety, curriculum, and instruction. I will, of course, evaluate all information and arguments before reaching any decision.
I will promise to (1) listen to ideas and concerns and act to remedy the problems and (2) communicate the reasons for board decisions and solicit community cooperation in implementing decisions. I will make myself available for meetings - day or night - to talk with citizen groups who are interested in helping improve our schools.
My top two priorities are to raise student achievement at all grade levels and to implement a school-to-career curriculum that provides our city's children with the academic, technical, and social skills they need to enter a competitive marketplace.
I would improve the learning environment for students by providing more hands-on learning opportunities, more cooperative learning projects, and more individual attention and support. I would provide an effective vocational and technical program that offers our students internships, apprenticeships, and part-time employment as valuable learning opportunities.
I would provide an alternative school program for children who, for whatever reason, are not succeeding in the traditional classroom setting and whose behavior threatens the security of others.
I would work to establish a strong public/private partnership that would raise the funds and labor needed to repair and renovate school buildings. In the meantime, I would work to re-order our spending priorities so that the school system's budget and the city's budget allocate sufficient funds for school maintenance.
LOUISE G. WALDEN
Age: 54
Portsmouth resident: 45 years.
Education: High school graduate; management courses at Tidewater Community College
Occupation: Owner, Olde Towne Flower Market
- Party affiliation: Independent; endorsed by Portsmouth Education Association
Political experience: Incumbent School Board member, three years
Children in school? No
President, Olde Towne Portsmouth Association; Goals 2005 Committee;
Portsmouth will return to an economic rebound, our Olde Towne area will attract tourists and residents alike. . . . Our schools have returned to neighborhoods. Hopefully, our political election will be bi-racial. . . . I am enthusiastic, committed and fair and possess an analytical mind. My business experience of 10 years helps me to judge financial situations.
Can't think of an immediate example. No compromising: Drugs and weapons in schools.
By showing up and doing the best I can for all students.
Positive image. Good teachers. City promotion. Evaluation of teachers regularly.
Implement Equity 2000 in middle schools. Curriculum change: PE more than twice a week.
Encourage more security police to be employed in schools.
Partnering.
NORTH E. WEST
Age: 63
Address: Afton Parkway, in Cradock
Occupation: Semi-retired in the home-repair business
Election experience: First run for political office
Children in school? No
This candidate did not respond to our questions.
On April 12, West told a Virginian-Pilot reporter that he would drop out of the race. Before that, he told the same reporter that he planned to call it quits because he didn't anticipate media scrutiny of some of his business affairs described in public records. He also said a business contract might require him to spend a lot of time out of town.
As Currents went to press this past week, however, he had yet to officially withdraw as a candidate.
In telephone interviews April 12, West first said he would stay in the race. He later said he would not, for the same reasons he previously mentioned.
``I'm just no longer interested,'' he said. ``You can say I've changed my mind . . . for personal reasons.''
West again could not be reached for further comment this past week.
CAROL P. YOUNG
Age: 29
Address: 2000 block of Colorado Avenue, Kingman Heights
Occupation: Hospital medical clerk
Election experience: First run for political office
Kids in school? Three at Olive Branch Elementary
This candidate did not respond to our questions. ILLUSTRATION: Photos of all candidates
KEYWORDS: PUBLIC JOURNALISM CANDIDATES PORTSMOUTH SCHOOL
BOARD RACE PROFILE PLATFORMS by CNB