Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 7, 1990 TAG: 9003071512
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: SHARON HODGE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: MARTI LENGTH: Medium
Allan McClain, Joseph Finley, Bruce Dallas and George Adams will run for the two seats. McClain, the only incumbent seeking re-election, won his seat in 1986. He said Tuesday that he decided to run again after consulting with people who had supported him during his first campaign.
"Council still has a lot of unfinished business," he said, adding that he wants "to be a part" of completing those tasks.
McClain said Martinsville has made strides in economic development over the past 3 1/2 years, but there are still projects in the works.
Martinsville will soon be the "last jumping-off point before the Blue Ridge Mountains," McClain said in reference to the widening of U.S. 58. Council members must have foresight to properly plan for the growth generated by the highway expansion, he said.
McClain, Finley and Adams agree that consolidated efforts between the city and Henry County will help Martinsville's financial future. The three said city leaders must continue to find ways to provide cost-effective government, and each said he supports some form of consolidation with Henry County.
In 1981 Adams was vice chairman of a committee studying merging with the county. Finley, a retired educator, said he has experience working with Henry County through joint education programs.
According to Finley, perhaps the most immediate concern before City Council is a frustrated relationship within the business community.
"We shouldn't kill downtown while Liberty Fair Mall is growing," Finley said. After the mall's opening in September, the number of businesses downtown has dwindled. Finley said council must find a way for both business areas to prosper.
Finley has been appointed to various committees by council members over the past 15 years, he said. Last December, he was named to the Martinsville Drug Task Force, and he is a former member of the West Piedmont Planning District Commission.
Adams also is a former member of the planning district. He serves on the Martinsville Planning Commission, to which he was appointed by City Council. Adams retired five years ago from an engineering position at Du Pont.
Housing, solid waste management and a proposed regional jail are some of the concerns Adams said he is ready to address if elected.
Bruce Dallas could not be reached for comment.
by CNB