Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 19, 1994 TAG: 9404190162
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Nineteen people appealed to City Council on Monday to support their favorites for one of three seats with new terms beginning July 1.
Such hearings usually attract half a dozen people, but the large number of speakers this year caused council to impose a time limit for the endorsements.
Incumbent Wendy O'Neil had the strongest show of support, with 10 people urging her appointment for a second term. Her supporters included several school officials who praised her concern for all children, including those who have been expelled for misconduct.
"Her concern for children is genuine," said the Rev. David Hayden, director of Justice House. "It doesn't make headlines, but she works behind the scenes."
Hayden said that O'Neil, executive director of the YWCA of the Roanoke Valley, has shown compassion for the homeless children at Justice House. He said O'Neil has tried to make sure their educational needs were met.
Anita Tanner, director of magnet schools for the city, said O'Neil brings a knowledgeable and common-sense approach to issues. She said O'Neil has been a leader in school technology and in curbing guns and drugs in schools.
Marsha Ellison and John Saunders each had four supporters.
Ellison, a parent-teacher association leader, was described as a hard worker who knows about schools.
Margaret Martin, a PTA leader, said Ellison always puts the children first on school issues. She said Ellison is a conscientious, effective leader who has been successful in PTA work.
Ellison keeps her word and her promises, said Kathryn Glassbrenner, vice president of the Patrick Henry High School PTA.
Glassbrenner said Ellison helped organize a PTA at Hurt Park Elementary School, the only city school that did not have a PTA.
"She cares for all the children," Glassbrenner said. By appointing Ellison, council would dispel any hints of political cronyism, she said.
Saunders' backers said he would bring needed business expertise to the board, and would make a good liaison to the business community. They said a businessman's perspective will be needed after James M. Turner leaves the board when his term ends in June. Turner is ineligible for reappointment because he has served three terms.
Two former School Board members urged the appointment of Saunders, a partner in a consulting and venture capital company.
Edwin "Ted" Feinour, a former chairman of the board, told council that Saunders also would provide the perspective of a parent because he has two children in city schools.
Briggs Andrews, another former board member, said Saunders has shown his interest in the schools by working on a campaign to persuade businesses to donate their old computers to the schools.
Incumbent Marilyn Curtis, who seeks a third term, was supported by Lawrence Hamlar, a business partner. Hamlar told council that Curtis would help retain continuity on the board as the new superintendent, Wayne Harris, nears completion of his first year.
James Beatty, city personnel administrator, is the fifth applicant for the three seats with new terms beginning in July. No one spoke on behalf of Beatty, but he has said that he would give more attention to vocational education and the students who do not go to college.
City Council will interview the candidates at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the council chamber. Council will make the appointments next month.
by CNB