Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 11, 1993 TAG: 9308110030
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A week after meeting with a half-dozen residents in North Roanoke County, Bowers will meet Thursday night with a group in Southwest County, where support for merger is thought to be stronger.
Despite criticism by county officials about last week's meeting, Bowers said he has received several calls and letters from county residents supporting his actions.
Bowers said Tuesday he plans several more sessions with county residents to gauge their sentiments on consolidation or other actions to help stimulate economic growth.
"I don't pretend to have all of the answers, but we need to be talking," he said.
County Board of Supervisors Chairman Fuzzy Minnix said he believes Bowers' meeting will harden county voters' opposition to merger.
"I think this will take us back to the confrontation we had when we voted on consolidation," said Minnix, who represents the Cave Spring magisterial district. "It might have the exact opposite effect that [Bowers] hopes."
But Windsor Hills Supervisor Lee Eddy said he has no problem with Bowers meeting with county residents. "I don't think we need to build fences around the county," he said.
Eddy said he hasn't detected any change in county voters' attitude since they vetoed merger by 70 percent to 30 percent in 1990.
"I'm an advocate of communication, and I see nothing inappropriate if he wants to talk with county residents," Eddy said.
Bowers also will have lunch Thursday with Richmond Mayor Walter Kenney to determine whether the two cities might join forces to press for more state aid for central cities or for the right to annex.
Richmond may ask the General Assembly to restore the right by central cities to annex.
Kenney has said the annexation issue will be considered by the Richmond City Council this fall as it prepares its legislative program for the next General Assembly session.
If Richmond decides to regain the right to annex, Kenney said, it will work with other central cities.
Councilman James Harvey wants Bowers to organize a lobbying campaign by Virginia's larger cities to regain the right to annex or to get more state aid to help them deal with their financial and social problems.
If it becomes necessary, the city should go to court to force the state to lift the ban or provide more money for cities, Harvey said.
Roanoke is barred from expanding because Roanoke County is immune from annexation. A 14-year-old state law exempts major suburban counties from annexation.
Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton, has vowed to oppose repeal of the annexation ban. Cranwell, one of the chief architects of the law, said annexation is a divisive issue that spoils governmental relations.
by CNB