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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 19, 1994                   TAG: 9401190103
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

STARNES TO ANNOUNCE NEW BID FOR MAYOR

As expected, Mayor Tom Starnes will seek another term this spring, but it will be at least two weeks before his most likely opponent, Councilman David Worrell, decides whether or not to run.

It's also still not known whether vice-mayor Polly Corn will try for a third four-year council term.

Starnes will make a formal announcement about his re-election plans Thursday at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

A 20-year council veteran, Starnes has served as mayor for 14 years and, in 1986, he became the city's first popularly-elected mayor.

Starnes, who's manager of engineering at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, said Tuesday that maintaining the city's financial stability in the face of a revenue crunch was "of utmost concern" to him.

The mayor said he agreed completely with Gov. George Allen's promise to veto any legislation that imposes mandates on localities without providing money to pay for them.

Starnes noted that Radford's tax rates have remained relatively stable and are "probably the lowest in the New River Valley." But he conceded the city will have a tougher time holding the line in the future while still providing the same services. Revenues to the city have been increasing, he said, but "not at a rate you would hope they would."

Worrell, meanwhile, said Tuesday he was "very, very seriously considering" another run for the mayor's post, but had not yet circulated petitions. Starnes defeated Worrell when the office supplies salesman ran against him in 1990.

Corn said Tuesday she's keeping her options open, although she is circulating petitions to put her name on the ballot.

"I certainly feel I have a lot to offer," she said. Corn said she won't\ decide for at least another two or three weeks.

The vice-mayor is elected by members of council.

Radford University official William Yerrick already has announced plans to run for the council seat being vacated by Gary Weddle. Weddle will be moving to Pulaski County next year.

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