Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 10, 1993 TAG: 9307100192
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: MARK MORRISON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: HARDY LENGTH: Medium
He has showed up at his share of Little League games, too.
Always with petition in hand.
"I was expecting rudeness," Perdue said of his petition drive to force a November referendum in Bedford County on whether voters should elect School Board members. "I've found almost zero opposition."
In fact, Perdue said he has nearly all the signatures he needs to place the referendum on the November ballot. He needs close to 2,500 signatures, and he is confident he will have more than enough to turn in by the Aug. 4 deadline.
He is equally confident that, come November, the measure will be passed.
Already, 42 Virginia localities have passed referendums for school board elections - most of them by overwhelming margins. Only five referendums in the state have failed.
Perdue, 56, said his reasons for wanting an elected School Board mirror those of many of the voters he has talked to over the past three months.
"I like representation. I like freedom of choice," he explained.
Currently, members of Bedford County's School Board are appointed by a selection committee appointed by Circuit Judge William Sweeney. "It's paternalistic the way they do it right now," Perdue said.
"It's, `We know what's good for you.' "
Perdue is a retired Air Force navigator who has lived in Hardy for 15 years. He does not have any children in the Bedford County school system, but he points out that his tax dollars still go toward education.
In April, he contacted the county registrar to ask if anyone had started a petition drive for School Board elections. Nobody had, so he began one himself, somewhat reluctantly.
He contends that he is no activist and really didn't want to lead such a campaign. He has nothing against the present School Board. "I just don't know them," he said.
Nor does he feel as if they work for him - or his fellow voters. He says they work more for the county Board of Supervisors, which maintains control of the school budget.
"They should be accountable to the people. That's the big issue."
But would they be accountable?
Even with an elected School Board, the supervisors still would control the budget. The School Board would not have taxing power. Perdue argues that there would be a significant difference, however.
He said that if the supervisors tried to control or deny the power of an elected School Board, it would violate the rights of the voters, and would be subject to impeachment.
Perdue said he has also heard critics of elected school boards say the result will be boards "packed" with extremists. He doesn't believe that will happen.
"What they're saying is the people are too stupid to vote."
And does Perdue have any intention of running for the School Board if the referendum passes? Again, he contends he is not an activist, and his answer is quick.
"Absolutely none."
by CNB