Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 7, 1990 TAG: 9003072117
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Rev. Cecil McClanahan, pastor of the Wings of Faith Church, filed as a candidate on Tuesday, the deadline for filing.
In a telephone interview today, McClanahan would not provide biographical information or comment on his candidacy, but said he would mail information to reporters. He said he would discuss the reasons he is running after the materials have been delivered to the newspaper.
In 1988, McClanahan was charged with the rape of 20-year-old mentally retarded woman in Alleghany County. He was later acquitted of the charge.
The indictment alleged that McClanahan took advantage of the woman's reduced mental capacity. Testimony disclosed that the woman had an IQ of 65 and functioned on the level of a second grader.
Records on file in Alleghany County Circuit Court show the charge was dismissed because the evidence failed to establish "beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged victim suffered from a mental incapacity" under Virginia law.
McClanahan said today that the criminal charge against him in Alleghany County was one reason he is running for council, but he would not comment on the case.
There will be six candidates for the three council seats in the May election.
After announcing his retirement earlier, Democratic Councilman James Trout filed a petition Tuesday to run as an independent.
There also will be a Republican against three Democrats in the May election.
Roland Macher, the GOP candidate, said that will just make him work harder to win a council seat.
"I like those kind of odds - 3-1 - because I am a fighter," Macher told about 50 Republicans Tuesday night. "I will need your help and support, but I kind of like being one against three."
He was the only candidate nominated by the GOP to oppose the Democratic ticket of Councilman Howard Musser, School Board member William White and James Harvey, a former councilman.
Macher said the Democrats will outnumber him, but he intends to run an aggressive campaign to win the council seat being vacated by Councilman Robert Garland, a Republican.
He said this year's election could be crucial for the city and the Republicans. If the GOP loses Garland's seat, the Democrats will have a 5-2 majority on council. If that happens, Macher said, the Democrats might win all seven seats in the next two to four years.
"What will happen to our city and the progress we have made if we eliminate the two-party system?" Macher asked. "This is a strategic election. Are we going to let council become one-sided?"
Macher, a 37-year-old businessman who owns a chain of restaurants, an antiques mall and rental property, said he supports a strong economic development program that will generate jobs and growth. He also favors consolidation, more emphasis on education and efforts to boost tourism.
by CNB