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

DATE: THURSDAY, April 21, 1994                   TAG: 9404210162
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ALTICE RENEWS HIS PUSH FOR VINTON COUNCIL ELECTION

In 1992, he lost the seat he had held 16 years. This year, he says, he's "running to win."

Altice, 58, jokingly describes his two-year break from council as "a vacation." Actually, he has spent a lot of time doing what council members do.

"I have learned a lot in two years," he says. "I have changed the way I feel about some things. Mostly, I've learned to listen to what the people of Vinton want."

Altice calls his defeat in 1992 a fluke. He says he had good support in the community, but voter turnout was not strong.

"After the election, a lot of people came up to me and said, `What happened?' and I told them, `You didn't get out and vote - that's what.' "

Rumor has it Altice started campaigning for 1994 shortly after his 1992 defeat.

"I guess that's true," he says, "I've spent a lot of time with the people of this town."

In his absence from council, Altice concentrated on his appointment to the Vinton Planning Commission, a post he says has educated him tremendously on many different aspects of community service. He also devoted more time to the Vinton Rescue Squad, where he serves on the board of directors and is a lifetime member. He was the squad's captain for six years before entering public office.

And he says he has had the opportunity to devote more time to community groups. He has attended meetings in the Midway community, where flood control is needed and water and sewer systems are outdated. He has mingled with residents from all walks of life and thinks he has good support across the community.

Altice says he is undecided on the issue of annexation. He said residents seem to have a wait-and-see attitude about an issue that is as old as talk of consolidating valley governments. Even though he was on council when annexation came up the first time, Altice refuses to take a position until a consultant's study is finished.

"I would like to be on council when it comes up," he says. "It needs to be put to rest, one way or the other."

Altice says he's running on his experience, and thinks his chances of winning a seat on council are strong.

"The people of this town should have the representation they deserve," he says. "I'm not one to make promises, whether I think I can do something about their problems or not."

During his two-year respite from council, Altice says he has continued to help residents. People stop by his business at all hours of the day and night, asking about street paving or trying to get a stop sign at a busy intersection. And he's quick to pick up the phone on their behalf.

But he also keeps an eye on the big picture. Asked about what the most pressing issues are for Vinton in the next 10 years, Altice identifies traffic congestion on Hardy Road, better cooperation between valley governments, and public safety.

"The regional sewer project and the landfill - those are examples of cooperation that has saved money," he says "especially concerning federal government regulations."

And he would like to see the town's emergency services - fire, rescue, police - remain a top budgetary consideration, receiving ample funds for proper equipment, training and personnel.

"The people of this town need to know their personal safety needs are being taken care of," he says. "People want that peace of mind."

Meanwhile, Altice is walking Vinton's neighborhoods, knocking on doors and speaking to neighbors about the issues - and his qualifications.

"I think people want someone honest who will listen and who will represent them fairly," he says. "If I have learned one thing, it is `Listen to the citizens.' "\ \ NAME: Robert R. "Bobby" Altice.\ \ AGE: 58.\ \ FAMILY: Wife, Peggy Sell Altice; one son, Don; two daughters, Jane and Susan. \ EDUCATION: High school.\ \ PROFESSION: Owns and operates Vinton Upholstery Inc., since 1956.\ \ CIVIC AFFILIATIONS: Vinton First Aid Crew since 1958, Vinton Lions' Club, Vinton Planning Commission.

Keywords:
POLITICS