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

DATE: THURSDAY, February 17, 1994                   TAG: 9402170358
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

5, INCLUDING INCUMBENTS, SEEK SEATS ON VINTON TOWN COUNCIL

Vice Mayor Roy McCarty, whose been on council 16 years, and Don Davis, a councilman for eight years, will get a challenge from Robert "Bobby" Altice, who lost his seat in 1992, Billy Obenchain and Betty Sink. Obenchain is a Roanoke City firefighter, and Sink is a retire bank branch manager.

McCarty said he is seeking re-election because he wants to see several important projects to completion.

"We have a real good council right now. We work together. With so many important issues facing Vinton, I feel we can accomplish more if we keep working in this way," said McCarty, a Roanoke County educator.

McCarty said council is working with a new town manager and a young staff. He feels it is important to "mix old with new."

"I feel my experience on council is beneficial, especially as we look one last time at annexation," McCarty said.

Davis, a bank manager who ran unopposed in two previous elections, said he gave much thought to seeking a third term.

"Council has some important decisions and projects coming up - a grant flood control in the Midway community and annexation. I think I have done a good job. I want to keep working."

Davis said he has strong support from the community.

"The people of this town know where I stand on the issues. They know I want what is best for the town."

Altice, a former vice mayor, remains active in community service projects, including the Midway community's bid for federal funds for flood control.

Altice was out of town and could not be reached for comment, but family members said he is seeking a council seat.

Obenchain said he has thought about serving on council many times. Each year he coordinates a Christmas program for Vinton's needy from his family downtown Vinton floral business.

"I'm running just for Town Council, not against anyone and not because of anyone," Obenchain said.

"I've lived here all my life. The town has done a lot for me, and I think it 's time to give something back."

Obenchain said he feels he can bring a progressive approach to many of the issues facing the town.

Sink also said she would ike to breathe fresh air into Vinton government. As the only female to declare, Sink said she feels she can serve as an example to other women, and to citizens in general, to become better community servants.

"I've always been civic minded," said Sink. "I've worked in many different areas of community service, and I thought I might be of some help."

March 1 is the deadline to declare candidacy for the two seats on Vinton Town Council. The election takes place May 3.