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

DATE: FRIDAY, June 15, 1990                   TAG: 9006160430
SECTION: SMITH MOUNTAIN TIMES                    PAGE: SMT-2   EDITION: BEDFORD/FRANKLIN 
SOURCE: SHARON HODGE/ SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

LAKE POLICY BOARD DROPS EWERT'S FIRM

However, Franklin County Administrator Richard Huff said the board's decision not to renew its contract with Clearbrook Inc. should not be interpreted as "an anti-Bern Ewert action."

Huff said the two organizations are parting on good terms. "It's mostly financial," he said. The board will save money by ending its management contract with Clearbrook and hiring its own director.

Clearbrook is co-owned by Ewert and former Roanoke city engineer Richard Burrow. The firm's best-known client is the River Foundation, the non-profit group running the proposed Explore living-history state park.

The Policy Advisory Board is a publicly funded agency created to promote uniform development,planning and zoning in the three counties bordering the lake.

Huff said that when Clearbrook was hired three years ago, the Policy Advisory Board was just getting started and needed Clearbrook's experience in dealing with government agencies.

"Now they [the board] have state funds in addition to what they get from the three local governments [Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania counties]. They've grown and matured," Burrow said.

Miles Holland, a former Franklin County supervisor, opposed hiring Clearbrook in 1987, saying it was a waste of money. Huff said he believes the board did benefit from Clearbrook's guidance, but the board is now in a position to manage on its own.

The Policy Advisory Board has advertised for a new director and resumes have been received. Selection of an executive director will be made before the end of the month, Huff said.

Executive Director Liz Parcell, now a Clearbrook employee, has said she will apply for the job.