Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 24, 1994 TAG: 9402240178
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE HUDSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Thompson, 68, has represented the Fincastle District for almost a decade. He was senior member on the board.
He said "no one thing" prompted his decision.
"I've given nobody any reason, except that, at my age, my wife and I want to spend more time visiting our children - and give my grandchildren the time I wasn't able to give my own children because I was working all the time."
He'll also keep busy helping out his son on the family dairy farm, four miles north of Eagle Rock on U.S. 220. Thompson has three children and seven grandchildren.
Thompson said recent health problems - which put him in the hospital for three weeks in January - had nothing to do with his decision.
He said he feels good about the work he has done on the board: The county has helped bring in new industries, worked out joint projects with Roanoke County, put in a new sewer system in Eagle Rock and pushed through many road improvements.
"He's done an outstanding job representing his district," County Administrator Jerry Burgess said.
At Thompson's last meeting Monday, the board approved two more major projects for the Fincastle District. The supervisors voted to build a recreation area at Eagle Rock Elementary School and to seek federal funding to build a sewer system for Glen Wilton.
Thompson's resignation takes effect next week. The board has 30 days to appoint a replacement.
"I'll probably see you at some of the board meetings," Thompson said Wednesday. "I'll sit back and listen, instead of sit up there and be looked at."
by CNB