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

DATE: SATURDAY, January 23, 1993                   TAG: 9301230286
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

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ASSISTANT TREASURER TO RUN

David Anderson made it official Friday.

He will seek the Democratic party nomination to run for commissioner of revenue in Roanoke this year.

Anderson, 49, believes his 24 years of experience in city government qualifies him for the job.

Commissioner of Revenue Jerome Howard, a Republican who has held the post for 28 years, has decided to retire.

Anderson, assistant city treasurer, ran against Howard four years ago, winning almost 40 percent of the vote.

Anderson has the backing of most Democratic leaders in the city for the nomination. Nearly a dozen, including City Council members and other officeholders, attended Anderson's news conference Friday to show their support.

If elected, Anderson promised to improve services through better communications with taxpayers.

"My experience allows me to have a full understanding of the duties required of the commissioner of revenue," he said.

Anderson expects competition for the party nomination.

Marsha Compton Fielder, deputy commissioner of revenue in Roanoke County, said earlier she will seek the party nomination. She is the daughter of Wayne Compton, county commissioner of revenue.

Howard, 71, is the only Republican among the city's five constitutional officers. He was challenged only twice during his seven terms in office.

William Fralin, chairman of a GOP committee seeking candidates for commissioner of revenue, said party officials are seeking a candidate to run for Howard's post.

The commissioner levies business, personal property and real estate taxes. He also processes 5,000 applications a year for city business, professional and occupational licenses.

Keywords:
POLITICS

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