Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 3, 1990 TAG: 9005030498
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK LAYMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"I've known his feelings from Day One," Supervisor Bob Johnson said. "It was the worst-kept secret in Roanoke."
But Chairman Dick Robers, the strongest supporter of consolidation on the board, said Nickens could be seen as being "anti-progressive." He also said it was ironic that last month, Nickens supported combining the school system's financial operations with the county's as a way to improve efficiency and save money.
"That's exactly what happens when you consolidate the governments," Robers said.
Still, Robers said he does not think Nickens acted in bad faith while negotiating the plan.
Supervisor Lee Eddy agreed. "In the negotiating process, each of the supervisors was working toward getting the best plan he could, because there was always the chance it might pass."
On the other hand, Supervisor Steve McGraw - who likes the idea of consolidation but has qualms about this particular plan - said, "I'm not sure how good our agreement with the city is if Nickens is one of the ones who negotiated it. That's been a concern of mine ever since I realized how negative his attitude was."
Johnson, who was the county's chief consolidation negotiator, said Nickens did not let his personal feelings get in the way during the talks with the city.
Nickens was "even-handed but tough" during the negotiations, "but he never left any question where he would stand when it was put to the voters."
Johnson said he feels no pressure to take a public stand one way or the other on consolidation. If he came out in favor of the plan, he might be accused of "giving the county away" during the negotiations, he said. If he came out against the plan, he might be accused of negotiating in bad faith.
And anyway, he said, "People don't need a bunch of politicians ranting and raving about what's good for them."
McGraw said Nickens, who represents east Roanoke County and Vinton, is "the slickest politician on the board right now" because he has covered all his bases on consolidation.
Nickens' anti-consolidation stand will go over well with residents of east Roanoke County, McGraw said. But Nickens also will be able to say he helped negotiate a plan that, if approved by voters, would allow Vinton to double its size.
by CNB