Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 27, 1992 TAG: 9203270393
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But he didn't make the honor roll.
He got mostly B's and C's.
The graders were the candidates for mayor and City Council in the May 5 election.
At a forum sponsored by the Roanoke chapter of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, the candidates were asked to rate Herbert's performance in hiring and promoting black employees on a scale of A to F.
He got the highest marks for hiring Earl Reynolds as assistant city manager six years ago. Reynolds resigned recently to become Martinsville's city manager.
Councilman David Bowers, a Democrat running for mayor, gave Herbert a C+, saying there haven't been a lot of vacancies recently in upper-management posts.
Willis "Wick" Anderson, the Republican candidate for mayor, declined to rate the manager, saying he thought it would be unfair because he is not on council and doesn't know his record.
Councilman Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr., a Democrat seeking a second term, gave Herbert a B for his record in hiring blacks in positionsfilled directly by him. But he gave him only a C for jobs that are filled by other supervisors.
Fitzpatrick said council has told the manager it wants to see a major improvement in hiring and promoting blacks, especially in professional and management positions.
"I would like to give him an A because I think we have the best city manager in Virginia, but I will give him a B because no one is perfect," said Councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles, a Republican.
Beverly Lambert, a Republican, gave him a B, but added she thinks the city needs to aggressively recruit blacks.
Delvis "Mac" McCadden, a Republican, gave the manager a B, saying "he has done a pretty good job" in minority hiring.
Democrat Renee Anderson gave him a B+ for promoting Reynolds, but a C overall.
Herbert also received a C from Democrat James Trout, who said he hopes the manager will consider choosing another black to be assistant city manager.
Twenty-three percent of the city's employees are black, but they are concentrated in maintenance and service jobs. Blacks comprise 24 percent of the city's population.
Responding to questions from a panel from the black community, the candidates said they support the city's affirmative-action plan and believe the city should step up its recruitment of blacks. All said the city should also do more to make sure that black-owned businesses get a fair share of city contracts.
Crime, drug trafficking and neighborhood safety were a recurring theme at the forum.
Roanoke should consider a police program similar to one in Greensboro, N.C., where officers are assigned to neighborhoods as counselors, teachers and advisers, McCadden said.
Bowers said the city may need to retain its Community Relations Task Force to help ensure good relations between police and the black community. Willis Anderson said he favors an expanded COPE - Community Oriented Policing Effort - program and more police resource officers in schools.
Fitzpatrick said the city might have to hire more police officers if it wants to reduce crime and drug trafficking. The problem is not restricted to black neighborhoods, he said.
Lambert said residents should be able to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.
Renee Anderson said she will support whatever it takes to reduce crime and drug sales in neighborhoods and parks.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB