Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, January 28, 1992 TAG: 9201280373
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
JOBS ARE ON FITZPATRICK PLATFORM
Jobs.That's what Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr. talked about when he ran for Roanoke City Council four years ago. He promised to use his background as an economic developer to help create more jobs.
Fitzpatrick's campaign theme struck a responsive chord among the voters. He was the top vote-getter in his first try for public office.
Now, in the midst of a lingering recession, the need for more jobs is even more urgent.
And if re-elected in May, Fitzpatrick promised Monday, he would work another four years to help attract more businesses and industries that would create more jobs.
Fitzpatrick, 45, told more than 150 friends and supporters that he will seek the Democratic nomination for re-election to his council seat.
"The key to moving ahead without raising taxes is economic development," he said. The city has a good record in recent years in attracting industries and creating jobs, he said.
The Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology has become home for seven industries that employ 1,800 workers. Based on state statistics on the multiplier effect - showing that one additional job is created in the economy for each new job in manufacturing - he said 3,600 jobs have been created as a result of the new industrial park.
A recent report by the Virginia Employment Commission shows that 93 percent of the new jobs created in the Roanoke metropolitan area in the past four years were in the city, he said.
More than $223 million has been invested in capital projects since 1988, he said. "That money has created jobs and expanded our tax base."
Despite the city's record in economic development, recent layoffs indicate that the downturn has affected many people in the Roanoke Valley, he said.
Fitzpatrick said the city needs stable and experienced leaders to guide it through tough economic conditions and the challenges of the next decade.
Keywords:
POLITICS