Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 9, 1990 TAG: 9005090354
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-2 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: SHARON HODGE Special to the Roanoke Times & World-News
DATELINE: MARTINSVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Dean Johnston, an employee of Wheat, First Securities Inc., requested council appoint a committee to find out just what it would take to attract young professionals.
Last month, "The Rating Guide to Life In Small Cities," by G. Scott Thomas, created a stir by rating the city 212 out of 219 possible places to live.
Johnston, a Martinsville native, agreed in part with the book's findings. He told council of his personal difficulties in finding mid-level management employment in the Martinsville area.
Councilman A.T. "Al" Groden disagreed with Johnston on the need for such research. According to Groden, who owns The Dutch Inn, professionals who want amenities - like dining out - support the four local country clubs.
Vice Mayor Clyde Williams invited Johnston to meet with the council on forming a committee and determining its direction.
Joseph Finley, who also recommended forming a committee, did not base his suggestions for improving Martinsville on the places-rated book.
An unsuccessful council candidates, Finley said there is insufficient police protection, non-existent local representation on the City Council, and lack of meeting or concert space.
Finley asked council to appoint an 18-member advisory committee selected evenly from Martinsville's six districts. His proposal included a request for six additional police officers, and called for construction of a mini-coliseum.
City Manager George Brown replied that a committee had been appointed two years ago to consider a multipurpose center. That group has not presented a report or recommendations to the City Council. Council took no action on Finley's recommendation.
by CNB