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

DATE: FRIDAY, September 3, 1993                   TAG: 9309030227
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ACTING FINANCE DIRECTOR MERITS JOB, WHITE SAYS

Grisso should get the job because he knows the city and he has demonstrated he can do the job by serving as acting director for 10 months, White said Thursday.

"We know him, and we don't have to rely on a one-hour interview," he said.

White, a certified public accountant, said Grisso has the background and skills needed for the post.

Grisso, 47, has worked for the city for 18 years, including 15 as deputy finance director.

Most council members won't say, however, whom they are supporting for the post. Council might choose a successor for Joel Schlanger by the end of the month.

Schlanger was forced to resign in December after he charged $1,778 in personal long-distance calls to the city.

Councilman Delvis "Mac" McCadden said council is in the final stages of filling the post. "We've got only one or two more interviews," he said.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles said council has rated several finalists and will have a second interview with some.

Council has used an executive-search firm to help seek Schlanger's successor.

Council postponed the search for a new finance director for several months because it was busy with the city's new budget, the Hotel Roanoke project and other issues.