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

DATE: THURSDAY, March 12, 1992                   TAG: 9203120429
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Leslie Taylor
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SALEM APPOINTS GROUP TO STUDY DIRECT VOTER INVOLVEMENT IN ISSUES

Responding to issues raised recently by a citizen advocacy group, Salem City Council appointed a committee Monday to study the effects of ballot referenda and the direct election of mayors.

Council named David Robbins, Clarence Caldwell, Gary Smith, City Planner Joe Yates and a representative to be selected by the advocacy group known as Virginia Referendum Advocates to the committee.

The group is pushing for direct voter involvement through ballot referenda and has proposed letting the citizens decide whether the Salem charter should be changed so that the mayor is elected by voters rather than council.

Last year, Aaron Smith, one of the group's founders, legally challenged the city charter in Salem Circuit Court in an attempt to allow the popular election of the mayor. The suit, which was dismissed, requested that a special election be held.

The group also has urged a referendum for a municipal pool proposed by council. In 1991, council temporarily shelved plans for a $2.3 million, 60-meter indoor pool; but not before suggesting that the decision be put to Salem voters.

"With the questions that have been raised, maybe it's a good idea to take an objective look at referendum and areas where mayors are elected directly," City Manager Randy Smith said.

In other business, council gave initial approval to an ordinance amendment that bans dogs, cats or other animals from school grounds.

"Recently we've had problems with some people walking their animals on school property and kids getting into animal waste," Smith said. "It's a problem."

Several years ago, the city banned animals from parks. The amendment would add "school facilities" to the ordinance.

In other business, council adopted a resolution recognizing the Salem High School Spartans football team for its awards and accomplishments during the 1991-92 season. The team finished the season with a 13-1 record. The loss was against the Spotsylvania High School Knights in the Virginia High School League Division 4 championship game.

by CNB