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

DATE: TUESDAY, November 16, 1993                   TAG: 9311170257
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: BRIAN KELLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                 LENGTH: Medium

SHULER FORMS 3 ADVISORY GROUPS

Two weeks after his 12th House District victory, Jim Shuler is forming three groups to advise him on education, health care and the economy.

The delegate-elect, who will take his General Assembly seat in January, said he is asking for advice from experts across the district, which includes most of Montgomery County north of Christiansburg and eastern Giles County.

``We're trying to tap into what I feel is a tremendous amount of expertise here in the valley,`` Shuler said.

The Democrat said he will announce the panels' membership next month.

Shuler said he is forming the advisory groups to help stay in touch with the people who voted for him, and those who didn't.

The Blacksburg veterinarian defeated Republican Nick Rush with 57 percent of the vote. Shuler said he will include residents from Giles and Christiansburg, where Rush won.

``Without making it too cumbersome, we'll try to tap into as many resources as we can,'' Shuler said.

The largest advisory body will advise the Hethwood (cq) resident on the issue that was key to his campaign - education.

Shuler said the group will include representatives from public schools and from higher education, including teachers, professors and Virginia Tech support staff.

The health panel will likely include hospital administrators, lay people with business contacts in the health-care world, and nurses and physicians.

His advisers on the economy would include representatives of the local chambers of commerce, businesses and industries, Shuler said.

He asks that anyone interested in participating on the advisory panels write him at 1480 S. Main St., Blacksburg, Va. 24060.

Meanwhile, Shuler visited Richmond last week to look for a place to stay during this year's assembly session, which begins Jan. 12 and is scheduled to adjourn two months later.

He also will be deciding soon on who will be his legislative assistant.

Paul Mitchem (cq), who filled that position for Munford, was Shuler's campaign manager.

by CNB