Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 9, 1993 TAG: 9310090167
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"I'm a Democrat, and I expect to run as a Democrat," White said Friday, rejecting any possibility that he might join a nonpartisan slate.
White said he is also offended that several people associated with White the city's Redevelopment and Housing Authority are participating in the effort.
City Council appoints the members of the authority's board of commissioners, who in turn hire the agency's staff. "We appoint people to the authority, and then they get involved in something like this," White said. "It really offends me."
Two members of the authority's board - Rob Glenn and James Burks - are on the citizens' group's executive committee.
John Grove, the authority's attorney, and Jamie Booker, president of the residents' council for the authority's public housing developments, are also on the committee.
Mayor David Bowers said he, too, is concerned that so many authority officials are involved with the effort.
Bowers said he has no problem with the group - except for the people with links to the authority.
But the authority officials say they see nothing inappropriate or improper about participating in the group, which calls itself Action '94.
"I am a citizen," Burks said, "and I have an interest in what is best for the city."
"Some people might have other views, but I'm interested in growth and other issues," Burks said. "I am doing this as a citizen, not as a member of the authority's board."
Grove said he also is acting as a citizen, not in his role as the authority's attorney.
"It is not a housing authority thing," Grove said. "I never thought of it as that."
He said it just happened that four of the people interested in the effort were connected to the authority.
White is one of four council members whose seats will be on the ballot next spring. Two others, James Harvey and Howard Musser, have not said whether they will seek new terms. The fourth seat is held by Vice Mayor Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr., who has resigned effective Friday.
Councilman Delvis "Mac" McCadden said the new group is free to do whatever it desires, but he takes exception to any implication that there will be no advocate for the business community on council after Fitzpatrick leaves.
"I'm disturbed about that remark, whether it is made by the group or by the newspaper," McCadden said. "I take issue with that."
McCadden considers himself to be a supporter of business and economic growth.
The group advocating a nonpartisan slate said it has not identified any potential candidates.
"We have no secret agenda, no secret candidates," said one member of the organization, who did not want to be identified.
Leaders of the group hope it will become a vehicle that will attract people who could help improve the city but who would not get involved in politics.
"There are a lot of talented people on the sidelines who have much to contribute, but they don't want anything to do with partisan politics," said a leader in the organization, who did not want to be identified.
"If they don't have to get involved with partisan matters, they are more likely to be willing to run for council," he said.
The group was organized at a recent meeting at the Marriott Hotel to which about 50 people were invited. Those attending were civic and neighborhood leaders, business people, public housing residents, directors of community service agencies and others.
"We had a diverse group - self-employed people, retirees, business people, young people and others," Allen said. "We'd love to have a cross section that includes all types of people."
John Lambert, who owns a Roanoke public relations firm, has helped organize the group. Lambert's wife, Beverly, ran for council last year on the Republican ticket.
As mayor, Bowers said, he will have to work with whoever is elected in May, so he might have to restrain his partisan activities, but he will support his party's ticket.
Bowers said he believes the group's plan to discuss issues and get involved in the campaign will be beneficial to the city. "That kind of discussion and debate is what government should be about," he said.
by CNB