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

DATE: TUESDAY, March 17, 1992                   TAG: 9203170332
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GOP TICKET GETS TAYLOR'S ENDORSEMENT

Noting the GOP's past troubles in fielding a full ticket, Taylor said the party's slate for this spring's election is strong, diverse and electable.

He said the diversity of the Republican ticket - it includes two women and one black - will help ensure that the candidates will work with all citizens if they are elected.

At a news conference, Taylor said he will do whatever he can to help Willis "Wick" Anderson in his bid for mayor and Councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles, Beverly Lambert and Delvis "Mac" McCadden in their bids for seats on City Council.

"I am here to endorse in the strongest way I know how this splendid group of nominees," Taylor said.

Taylor said Anderson, a former mayor and state legislator, and Bowles, a councilwoman for 16 years, have the experience that is needed on council. He said Lambert will work for new jobs, quality education and safe neighborhoods. And McCadden will use his experience in business to promote economic development and help Roanoke become Virginia's Festival City.

Taylor, a Republican who is retiring after 16 years as mayor, said the GOP ticket will continue many projects now under way: the Hotel Roanoke renovation and conference center; the direct highway link that would facilitate travel between Roanoke and Blacksburg; the Henry Street Revival project; a inner-loop street system in the downtown; and the renovation of Jefferson High School into a center for the performing arts and community service agencies.

"They have pledged to carry on the dream that I have nourished along the years," he said.

Taylor said the GOP candidates also will work to foster more cooperation among the localities in the Roanoke Valley.

"Whether it is through consolidation or cooperation, we must work together," he said. "We will never achieve our potential as a community - as one economic unit - unless we strengthen the relationship between us."

Taylor said he decided to endorse the GOP candidates early in the campaign so there would be no question about his position.

When Vice Mayor Howard Musser, a Democrat, held a news conference in January to announce that he was seeking his party's nomination for mayor, Taylor appeared with him. That triggered speculation that Taylor might back Musser if he was the Democratic nominee.

But Councilman David Bowers beat Musser for the Democratic nomination and Anderson became the GOP nominee.

Anderson said Taylor's endorsement is the "single most important event" in the campaign for the GOP ticket. The Republican candidates hope to use the endorsement to help build a coalition similar to that forged by Taylor throughout his political career.

Taylor said the Republican ticket will help provide a partisan balance on council. The Democrats have a 5-2 majority now, but the Republicans would gain control if they win the three council seats and the mayor's post.

Keywords:
POLITICS