Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 6, 1990 TAG: 9004060399
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: SHARON HODGE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: MARTINSVILLE LENGTH: Short
City Manager George Brown's suggestion for a 10-cent real estate tax increase was opposed by incumbent Allan McClain, president of Southwestern Virginia Gas Co. He said he would not support the tax increase if it is proposed during the current budget session.
Both Joseph Finley and George Adams said their decision on a tax levy would depend on the need to raise additional revenue.
Questions concerning quality of education were asked of each candidate by members of the audience. All three said they supported funding for school needs.
But School Board member W.W. Edwards questioned McClain about his decision to enroll his child in a private school. McClain said he believes there is a place in society for both types of education systems. He also emphasized that he has supported full funding for the school budget over the past four years.
Finley, a retired educator, said the council should take some responsibility for providing youth activities to keep teen-agers out of parking lots at night. He referred to a committee formed several years ago to study youth recreational needs.
Adams, a retired Du Pont engineer, said residents in Martinsville favor consolidated services, but he would not vote for a merger of political positions in Martinsville and Henry County. All the candidates said they supported some type of merger or consolidation.
by CNB