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

DATE: THURSDAY, April 29, 1993                   TAG: 9304290233
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LAWYER ENDORSED A 2ND TIME

The Roanoke Bar Association voted to back Ferguson at a meeting Wednesday, according to bar President James Johnson.

The five Circuit Court judges of the 23rd Judicial Circuit - which includes Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem - will appoint a judge to replace Fred Hoback Jr. Hoback, citing health reasons, retired this month after 15 years as a judge in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Tuesday, the Salem-Roanoke County Bar Association voted to endorse Ferguson. The judges had asked for three top candidates, but the bylaws of both bar associations would permit only one.

Although Ferguson is the only candidate to be recommended, the judges are not bound to follow the bar's endorsement.

Chief Judge Kenneth Trabue has said the judges hope to make an appointment in time for the position to be filled in June.

The judge appointed by the Circuit Court will serve until the position is filled permanently by the General Assembly at its next session. In most cases, the interim judge is the only candidate considered by the legislature.

Ferguson, 45, has worked as a foster-care case worker. He is now in private legal practice in Roanoke and serves on the city Planning Commission.

Other candidates for the position include Burton Albert, Tom Dickenson, Ann Hill, Evelyn Krippendorf, Vincent Lilley, John Molumphy and Ellen Weinman.