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

DATE: SUNDAY, July 18, 1993                   TAG: 9309040340
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WILLIAMS

IN APPOINTING Western Virginia's next representative on the state Transportation Board the other day, Gov. Wilder predictably avoided a choice between former state Sen. Granger Macfarlane and businessman Bittle Porterfield III.

Both men had expressed an interest in the job. Had Porterfield gotten it, Macfarlane would have protested loudly; had Macfarlane gotten it, others would have protested.

Wilder, quietly circumventing the potential fracas, selected a reliable and well-respected standby, Martinsville lawyer Robert Williams.

Williams, chairman of the state council on alcohol and drug abuse, will replace Vinton insurance executive Steve Musselwhite on this board, which oversees policy on highway development, rail issues and air travel.

Musselwhite did an excellent job in his years of service. For example, he was a strong proponent of the proposed ``smart road,'' a project of considerable regional significance.

Williams would be serving the region well if he also proves a strong supporter of the project.

by CNB