Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 28, 1993 TAG: 9310280498
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Johnson says both of his opponents miss the point when they say the reservoir - which is ready to be filled - will force Roanoke County residents to pay the highest water rates in the region.
The rates, Johnson contends, are a small price to pay for independence.
Johnson said Spring Hollow will end the county's reliance on city water and will make the county an equal partner in future city-county agreements.
"The city has never been very comfortable with that, because they've always seen themselves as our big brother," Johnson said.
Johnson, a former teachers' representative who is now president of HCMF Real Estate, is seeking a third term as Hollins District representative on the Board of Supervisors.
He faces two challengers:
Brenda Flora Wainwright, 46, who is a loan originator for Eastern Fidelity Mortgage Corp. and part owner of a family nursery, Plantation Ground Covers.
Charles Millican, 50, who is sales manager for Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co., which supplies foam padding to the furniture industry.
Millican filed as an independent after he lost the Republican nomination to Wainwright.
The two challengers say the Board of Supervisors must begin to show more fiscal restraint after embarking on some expensive projects: the purchase of the Travelers Building for an administration building, the Smith Gap Landfill and Spring Hollow Reservoir.
They also have criticized what they say is the off-hand way that Johnson treats members of the public who question board decisions.
"He's condescending," Millican said. "That's the kind of vibes he gave us when were were fighting the reservoir. It's sarcastic and hateful."
Wainwright pointed to Johnson's outburst earlier this month in which he referred to Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Gary Everhardt as "Pontius Pilate" washing his hands of responsibility for preserving parkway vistas.
"He likes to display authority," Wainwright said. "He likes to put others down. . . . I think he did that with the parkway official. I think that was a typical Johnson attitude."
Johnson, known for his razor wit, said he has welcomed public comments. But, he added, sarcasm can be appropriate in some situations when "you want to get someone's attention."
As for fiscal conservatism, Johnson said his opponents were irresponsible to talk about freezing or cutting county spending unless they are willing to list what services they would cut.
"I'll submit to you that it is political rhetoric during a political year. You either cut programs, or you fire people."
The three-way race is expected to work in Johnson's favor as Wainwright and Millican split the votes of Republicans.
Some Republicans told Millican that his candidacy would guarantee Johnson's re-election.
"They tried to talk me out of it," Millican said, "but I felt that Bob Johnson was going to win the race if I didn't get into it. So why not?"
Johnson has been mentioned as a possible Democratic challenger to state Sen. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County, in 1995.
Johnson said he intends to serve out his entire term if re-elected.
"Is there anything that could come up that could change that? Of course. I'll never say never to anything."
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB