Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 27, 1991 TAG: 9102270600
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
He is the third incumbent to seek reappointment this year. Marilyn Curtis and Velma Seif disclosed earlier they would apply for new three-year terms beginning July 1. They are seeking their second terms.
Turner, chairman for three years, said he wants to remain because he believes the schools have made progress in recent years, but still face challenges.
He cited the establishment of magnet schools, including the Northwest Academy, and the national recognition for William Fleming High School.
Turner, first appointed in 1985, said he would seek improved communications between the board and City Council if he is reappointed. The schools have worked closely with the city in recent years on finances and other issues, he said, but better communications could prevent controversy.
Turner said he had planned to wait until the board finishes work on the new budget before filing his application. But he decided to apply now because he said many people have encouraged him to do so.
He is president of J.M. Turner & Co., a construction business.
The incumbents will face competition because three others have applied.
The applicants include Martha O'Neil, executive director of the YWCA of the Roanoke Valley, and E.H. Cassell Jr., a vice president at Sovran Bank.
O'Neil is a former director of educational partnerships for city schools, a position in which she served as a liaison between the school system and businesses, industries and non-profit agencies. She also helped develop alternate funding sources for city schools.
O'Neil, 42, is also former development director for the Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council. She has a bachelor's degree from Catholic University.
Cassell, 38, is a graduate of Roanoke College and the Graduate School of Banking of the South. He has been active in a broad range of civic and community agencies, including the Free Clinic of the Roanoke Valley and Total Action Against Poverty Housing Corp. He served on a planning committee for the Northwest magnet school.
Garry Fleming, a finalist two years ago, applied earlier. He is an associate professor of economics at Roanoke College.
Applications will be accepted until March 11. Forms may be obtained from the city clerk's office in the Municipal Building.
Council decided to contact neighborhood groups this year in an effort to get more applications.
In the past, council used advertisements to advise residents about pending vacancies and invite applications. But Councilman James Harvey proposed that the city begin notifying neighborhood organizations.
Under the selection procedure, council announces pending vacancies and invites applications. It publicly interviews up to three applicants for each seat.
by CNB