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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 27, 1990                   TAG: 9006270281
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                                LENGTH: Short

VA. BEACH TIGHTENS RULES FOR CANDIDATES

The City Council has tightened its ordinance prohibiting city employees from running for local office, a move that could force two newly-elected councilmen to resign from the Police Department if they run for re-election in four years.

The council faced a possible challenge to its previous prohibition from Capt. James W. Brazier Jr. and Sgt. Paul J. Lanteigne, two police officers who were elected to the council in May. Both promised to challenge the prohibition in court if they were fired.

The new ordinance narrows the employees covered by the prohibition. Employees of constitutional officers - such as the sheriff, commonwealth's attorney and treasurer - and School Board employees would be exempt. Those two groups are not under the city manager's authority.

Brazier, 46, said he plans to retire from the department before the next election. Lanteigne, 37, said he would challenge the new ordinance prior to the next election.

"It's been our contention all along that for this to stand up in court, the city needs a charter change," Lanteigne said.

by CNB