Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 25, 1992 TAG: 9203250312
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Musser tried this week to get council to open the process, in which it discusses the applicants and then chooses three for each open seat. That preliminary screening is done behind closed doors, and those who make the cut then are interviewed publicly.
But Musser could not get a second for his motion and Mayor Noel Taylor ruled that it failed.
"It's the only portion of the selection process that is not open, and I think it's a shame that we don't open it up," Musser said.
"It shouldn't be decided by secret ballot. The people who take the time to apply and allow their names to be public deserve the respect of a public vote."
Tuesday, Musser gained the backing of a councilman and a School Board member for his proposal. And another councilman said he would be willing to consider it.
Councilman James Harvey, who missed the meeting because of illness, said he agrees with Musser and would have seconded the motion had he been present.
"I'm surprised he didn't get a second. It is a very positive move - taking things out of the back room," Harvey said. "The public should be aware of who is voting for whom."
James Turner, a member and former chairman of the School Board, said he likes Musser's proposal.
"I think a lot of people would like to know what criteria council considers in appointing board members," Turner said. "This would be one way to let the public know what council is looking for in board members."
Under the procedure, there is no way for the public to know council's criteria, he said.
Councilman William White, a former School Board member, said he has "no problem with doing it either way." White said he didn't second Musser's motion because he didn't know the issue was going to be raised.
"I am willing to do it publicly if that's what council wants," White said.
However, Councilman Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr. said the procedure seems to be working well and he doesn't sense any urgent need for a change.
"We go far beyond what is required by having public votes on the three finalists [for each open seat] and the public interviews," he said.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles said she, too, did not see a need to change the procedure. Councilman David Bowers said he didn't second Musser's motion because the raising of the issue came as a surprise.
Council takes a public vote on three finalists for each seat as the state's Freedom of Information Act requires.
City Attorney Wilburn Dibling said the FOI law allows council to go into closed session to discuss the applicants.
Council has 12 applications for two board seats that will open in July. The seats are held by Sallye Coleman and Thomas Orr. Coleman is not seeking reappointment, but Orr has applied for a new term.
Orr said Tuesday he can see both sides of the issue, but he didn't think it was appropriate for him to take a position. "It's something within [council's] discretion," he said.
On April 13, council will decide on the six finalists. Musser wants all votes to be public, including those reducing the field of 12 applicants to six.
by CNB