Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 28, 1994 TAG: 9404280117
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That, added to 16 years of uninterrupted service on Vinton Town Council, makes him a strong contender in Vinton's May 3 municipal election. Five people are running for two seats.
McCarty, 56, was around when Vinton had no water system of its own, an issue which led to his initial bid for a seat on council. He remained on council as other issues - such as annexation - became important.
McCarty, vice mayor of Vinton, said his desire to serve another term is strongly linked to the annexation question. Council expects to receive a consultant's report on the feasibility of annexing eastern Roanoke County into the town of Vinton soon.
"The town has to make a decision on this issue. I am not a real big advocate of annexation or consolidation. But I feel qualified, because of my experience on council, to be open-minded toward the report and make the best decision for the people of the town of Vinton," McCarty said.
He would like to see the matter laid to rest by July. "I think we have spent enough time and money looking at this issue."
McCarty also would like to be around to see that water and sewer improvements are made in the Midway community.
Vinton recently applied for a federal grant for water, sewer and housing improvements in a community that floods and has poor drainage.
"I think this is something we really need to be working toward," McCarty said. "Over the years I've seen more and more water go in there. The residents of Midway have been very patient."
McCarty also believes his experience is necessary to guide town staff through change. With a new town manager and numerous changes in progress, McCarty said, "I would like to continue serving through this time."
Vinton is restructuring its Public Works Department and revamping operating procedures.
McCarty believes Vinton's five nonpartisan council members - a mixture of experience and two newcomers elected in 1992 - have been an effective team for the past two years.
"It takes all five of us to make a decision. The current council is a good mix. There have been no real harsh disagreements."
McCarty said if he could improve one component of his experience on council, it would be better cooperation between Roanoke Valley governments.
"If everyone worked together better - Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Vinton and Salem - the valley would be a better place to live. I'd like to see us get along better than in the past."
He believes Vinton has much to offer. "Vinton is small, but it is close to malls and shopping. We have great schools, and the police, fire and rescue departments are excellent."
McCarty was around when five people made up Vinton's entire police force. The department has grown to 17 employees.
"I'm proud of the Police Department staff. I'm proud to have played a role in its development."
McCarty also was on council when Vinton's municipal building was constructed, and worked on the development of the town's recycling program, one of the state's most comprehensive.
He remembers when the town surrendered its Recreation Department to Roanoke County. "You know, there have been some unpopular decisions that have had to be made. But that move saved the town $180,000."
In his spare time, McCarty enjoys construction - he has remodeled his Vinton home several times - and fishing. When he has some thinking to do McCarty gets into his canoe and "floats the James."
He says he hasn't heard any complaints about his work on council.
He has been door-to-door reinforcing the issue of his experience with the residents who have come to know him over the past 16 years.
"I'm glad five people are running. They will earn it if they win, as I will if I win."
\ NAME: Roy G. McCarty Jr.
\ AGE: 56.
\ PROFESSION: Job development coordinator, Roanoke County Schools.
\ EDUCATION: High School. Teaching certification and vocational education classes at Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and Radford University.
\ FAMILY: Married to Jerry McCarty. Two daughters, four grandchildren.
\ CIVIC AFFILIATIONS: Life Member, Vinton First Aid Crew.
on Billy Obenchain and Betty Sink, newcomers in the race, and Bobby Altice, a former councilman who is seeking election, appeared in the last edition of Neighbors.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB