
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 20, 1990                   TAG: 9004200131
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

PETHTEL REAPPOINTED AS COMMISSIONER OF VIRGINIA ROADS

Gov. Douglas Wilder on Thursday reappointed Ray Pethtel as commissioner of the Department of Transportation, which has come under fire from the governor.

Pethtel has held the job since the department was created in 1986 by former Gov. Gerald Baliles as part of his emphasis on improving the state's highways. Pethtel had been director of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, a state watchdog agency.

One of Wilder's first acts after his election in November was to order a study of the road-building program. Wilder associates who conducted the study found that the program will cost more and take longer to complete than had been projected.

Wilder also reappointed Donald Williams as commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Williams has been director since 1980.

William McCollum was named executive director of the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. He has been interim executive director since October.

Wilder reappointed Kenneth Rowe as director of the Department of Aviation, a post he has held since 1984.

by CNB