Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 9, 1990 TAG: 9005090524
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MARGARET CAMLIN NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
The stiffest competition is for Thompson's at-large seat. Seven have asked to take his place: Rhea E. Saltz, a former principal and adult education teacher; Dean Hufford, an accountant; Nancy O'Dell, a mother of four; Marion Dean Taylor, a sales manager for Lowe's Hardware in Galax; Joanne K. Hall, a nurse and teacher's aide; Wallace H. Flinchum, an agent with State Farm Insurance Co.; and Bruce L. Deel, a youth ministry worker for Bob White Boulevard Church of God.
Vying for Neighbors' seat are Linda R. Caudell, the manager of Sovran Bank's Peak's Knob branch, and the Rev. Clyde R. Conner, a Christian education assistant director for the Pentecostal Holiness Church's Virginia Conference.
Both Neighbors and Thompson received strong backing at a public hearing before the three-man School Board Selection Commission Tuesday night.
"Tommy has the desire to keep providing jobs for people by keeping the industries we have and attracting others," said Joe Scheffey, a member of the county Board of Supervisors.
Scheffey said Thompson does not mind standing alone on many issues facing the School Board and always speaks his mind on the budget.
If reappointed, this would be Thompson's fifth term on the board. It would be Neighbors' second four-year term.
Thompson's minister at First Mission Baptist Church in New River also spoke in his favor, along with fellow board member Nathan Tuck.
County Commissioner of Revenue Maynard Sayers praised Neighbors for having three characteristics he believes are essential in a public official: honesty, openness and devotion to the job.
Pete Crawford of Pulaski Furniture also endorsed Neighbors' candidacy. He pointed to the soon-to-open Governor's School For Science, Math and Technology as an example of progress in the school system.
"I want to see the progress continue, and I feel she's [Neighbors] made a significant contribution to that progress," he said.
Neighbors said, "I'm available to the community and I promise to continue to be available."
"We must never let ourselves stand still and be satisfied" with what was good enough in the past in the schools, she said.
Several other applicants spoke at the hearing, and several were not present. Saltz, who said he has 24 years of experience as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal, assured the commission "you won't find anyone who'll work any harder . . . or be any more dedicated than I will be."
Linda Caudell, who heads the county's vocational education advisory committee, said her disenchantment with changes in the vocational education program led her to apply for the position.
Seven vocational education teachers have been laid off, effective the end of this school year.
She said she is proud of the school system but "recently we may have gotten off on a wrong track."
The Rev. Clyde Conner said he would strive to lower the dropout rate, expand opportunities for children to learn about computers, and increase the number of students attending college.
"I believe Pulaski County has the talent and ability . . . to become a front runner of educational excellence in Southwest Virginia," Conner said.
Commission members will make their decision next Tuesday.
Member David C. Stanley said his decision will be influenced by the number of people who support a candidate. He said he received four or five letters favoring Neighbors, and none in favor of anyone else.
by CNB