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

DATE: FRIDAY, April 12, 1991                   TAG: 9104120560
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS APPLICATION

E.H. "Hil" Cassell Jr., a banker described by a Roanoke City Council member as a leading contender for a seat on the city School Board, has withdrawn his application.

Cassell said he was forced to remove his name from consideration because of reasons he did not want to specify.

"After some lengthy deliberation I find that I have been forced to make some either/or decisions," Cassell said in a brief letter to City Clerk Mary Parker.

"Obstacles whose existence I was not aware of have forced me to withdraw from my name from nomination."

Cassell, 37, declined Thursday to elaborate on the letter or his reasons for withdrawing.

"I'm usually open with the press, but I can't say anything other than what the letter says. There is too much at stake," he said.

Councilman David Bowers said Cassell, a vice president at Sovran Bank, had a good chance of being appointed.

"I regret to hear he has withdrawn. I thought he was being seriously considered. I think he could very well have been one of the three chosen for the board," Bowers said.

Cassell's withdrawal leaves six applicants for the three seats with new terms that begin July 1. They are Marilyn M. Curtis, Garry A. Fleming, M. Wendy O'Neil, Velma B. Seif, James M. Turner Jr. and Harry R. Yates Jr. The incumbents are Curtis, Seif and Turner.

Council will hold a public hearing on the applicants at 2 p.m. Monday at its regular meeting. City residents can comment on the applicants or make statements of support.

Council will conduct public interviews with the applicants April 25 at 3 p.m. and elect the new members May 13.

by CNB