Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 20, 1993 TAG: 9311200154
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Garrison said his campaign is gaining momentum, but Fielder was the only Democratic officeholder who appeared with him at a news conference to introduce his supporters.
Most Democratic officeholders are backing Al Wilson, an attorney who has worked quietly to win the endorsement of party regulars.
Friday, Garrison proposed a series of joint appearances by himself and Wilson before any groups interested in hearing their views on revitalizing the party and healing the divisions.
Garrison said the joint appearances could be educational and healthy for the party rather than negative and disruptive.
But Wilson said he doesn't see a need for them, adding that he is trying to unify, not divide the party.
"I want to bring the party together, not to get into debates that create divisions," Wilson said. "I don't want to get involved in any diversionary tactics."
Among those backing Garrison are: Gary Waldo, executive director of the Roanoke Education Association; Linda Wyatt, a teacher and member of the Roanoke Education Association; Calvin Ashe, vice president of the Roanoke Central United Labor Council; and the Rev. Charles Green, president of the Roanoke chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Garrison said he is seeking the chairman's post as part of a reform movement to revitalize the party and transform it into a "positive, dynamic force for social justice and economic progress" for all groups in the city.
Garrison is heading a group calling itself the Progressive Democratic Coalition, which is the outgrowth of meetings by some party members who share ideas about the party's future.
The coalition wants to heal divisions, open up the party, recruit new members and change the negative perception of politics, Garrison said.
The new chairman will be selected at the Democratic Committee's reorganizational meeting next month.
Wilson said he can do a better job of unifying the party than Garrison. He has the support of Mayor David Bowers and other Democratic leaders.
"[Wilson] can work with all factions within the party and bring unity," Bowers said.
Wilson won't say anything negative about Garrison, adding that the two have agreed to avoid personal attacks.
Wilson said the next few years will be critical for the Democrats, because the Republicans have been boosted by the election of George Allen as governor and gains in the House of Delegates.
He said he can devote his full attention to keeping the party strong because he is not interested in running for public office.
"The Republicans are going to be strong, and I expect them to run strong candidates," Wilson said.
"We will be tested, and we need someone who can build a consensus. I think I can do that."
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB