BOTETOURT SHOULD ELECT ITS SCHOOL BOARD

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

DATE: FRIDAY, March 26, 1993                   TAG: 9303260557
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-14   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
BOTETOURT SHOULD ELECT ITS SCHOOL BOARD
THIS PAST November was an important time in the political arena. As a nation, our right was exercised by voting for a president to lead us for the next four years. Also, in Virginia it was the first time localities were able to decide how they want their school-board members chosen, by the current method of appointment or by direct election.
I, for one, applaud the efforts of the 33 counties and nine municipalities that placed this issue on last November's ballot. By an overwhelming majority, the citizens of these counties and municipalities opted for direct election of school-board members.
This is not an issue of performance by current board members. At issue is how they are chosen. I believe the citizens of Botetourt County need the ability to choose the people who are to guide our schools. Only through direct election are public officials truly accountable.
The time for citizens of this county to act is now. In order for a referendum allowing elected school-board members to be placed on the Nov. 2 ballot, signatures of 10 percent of the registered voters in Botetourt County need be submitted to the court by Aug. 4. LINDA J. WEBB CLOVERDALE

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB