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

DATE: THURSDAY, May 10, 1990                   TAG: 9005100375
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ROANOKE JAYCEES BACK CONSOLIDATION

The 340-member Roanoke Jaycees endorsed a consolidated government Wednesday as "the best opportunity to provide a more efficient government, to enjoy quality growth and to unite citizens in the common purpose."

At a news conference beneath the Mill Mountain star, Jaycees officials said their board's resolution followed a committee study of the consolidation agreement.

In a typical year, the Jaycees said they lose "a valuable human resource," one-third of their members who move to seek jobs elsewhere. "We must create an environment where young people have the opportunity to grow with the community," said Ken Robison, president.

Robison said the Jaycees are not experts in local government, but "our role is to state our point of view."

He said a consolidated government will better serve the economy of the valley, will bring better long-term planning, economies of scale, elimination of duplicative services and a stronger voice in state government.

The Jaycees said 48 percent of their members live in Roanoke, 41 percent live in Roanoke County and 11 percent live outside the valley. Almost half of their members are women.

The organization of members aged 21 through 39 said it may hold other news conferences or conduct a door-to-door campaign. Actions to back consolidation have not yet been planned, Robison said. The organization does not intend to answer those valley leaders who have opposed consolidation, he added.

by CNB