Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 29, 1994 TAG: 9404290096
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The mayor and council members run at large for four-year terms.
Seeking the top job are Mayor Tom Starnes, the city's first and only popularly elected mayor, and Councilman David Worrell, who's billing himself as the candidate of change.
Councilwoman Polly Corn - who's going for a third term - and political newcomers Todd Ratliff, a local jeweler, and Bill Yerrick, a Radford University administrator, have been attempting to distinguish themselves during the campaign for the two council openings.
The distinctions between Starnes - who's been mayor for 14 years - and Worrell - a 10 year council veteran - are stark. This year's campaign marks the second time the two have faced off for the mayor's post.
In 1990, Worrell lost his council seat when he ran against Starnes. This time, he's playing it safe, since he still has two years left on his council term.
As mayor, Tom Starnes, 53, has cautioned against dipping into the city's reserve funds to finance day-to-day spending.
A manager at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Starnes has said maintaining the city's financial stability in the face of a revenue crunch is "of utmost concern."
The mayor applauded Gov. George Allen's promise to veto legislation that imposes mandates on localities without providing money to pay for them.
Starnes cites the library's new children's wing, the new shell building at the industrial park and the Radford High School art and music classroom addition as accomplishments during his current term.
The 20-year council veteran noted that Radford's tax rates have remained relatively stable and are "probably the lowest in the New River Valley." But he conceded the city will have a tougher time holding the line on taxes in the future while still providing the same services.
Challenger David Worrell thinks of himself as "more of a people person." He's not shy about calling attention to his 45 years of public service as a volunteer firefighter and School Board member and on various boards and commissions.
During recent budget discussions, Worrell was the only council member urging bigger raises for city employees. He recently called for the hiring of additional police.
He supports plans for a new recreation building and a new public safety building.
Worrell said he was instrumental in restoring three full-time firefighter positions that were set to be cut, and in convincing council to agree to buy a second new fire truck, which, he said, helps keep down fire insurance rates.
He said the city could do more with what it has, including using its reserves, if needed. "I feel very strongly that for 14 years we have struggled, done what was necessary, but we haven't made the strides that we ought to have made," he said.
For the most part, Polly Corn, 68, has run on her record of eight years on council, where she's been vice-mayor. "I want the most value from every dollar spent," said Corn, who taught accounting at Virginia Tech for 33 years.
Corn said she draws on her council and professional background and experience when she studies issues. "I take the time to research the subject before I make a decision," she said.
Corn believes the city must find new ways to generate money and not draw upon its dwindling reserves. She also
has predicted that council will have to raise taxes next year to just to stay even.
The big issues for council candidate Todd Ratliff right now are the bridge, the bridge and the bridge. Ratliff said the city faces many important issues, but he thinks the Memorial Bridge closing is the most important right now.
"We need to get everyone's attention on this bridge," he said. Ratliff said the economy of Fairlawn, where is shop is located, is vital to Radford.
Ratliff, who turns 31 Saturday, has pledged to be a good listener, if he's elected. "I feel I've got a sincere desire to serve the citizens of Radford," he said.
As a member of the New Century Council, Bill Yerrick, 50, has stressed regional cooperation during his campaign appearances. He's also has focused on educational funding disparity, and thinks his background as an educator and administrator and as past president of the Chamber of Commerce will be valuable assets on council.
"I have the right balance of professional experience and community leadership," he said.
Polls in Radford will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. East Precinct voters cast their ballots at Belle Heth School. Residents of the West I Precinct vote at McHarg Elementary School, while those living in West II Precinct vote at Carter Street United Methodist Church.
Keywords:
POLITICS
Memo: ***CORRECTION***