Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 4, 1994 TAG: 9405050018
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
In an election that featured almost 1,000 voters - one of the highest voter turnouts in recent memory - challenger Ben "Chip" Capozzi, a 19-year-old Virginia Tech freshman, received only about half as many votes as any of the three incumbents.
His mother, Barbara Capozzi, who runs a inn on Main Street with her husband, mounted a last-minute write-in campaign for mayor. She received 146 votes to Harold Linkous' 769.
"We're definitely winners," said Barbara Capozzi. "We may not have won the election, but we made the point."
"For a 19-year-old newcomer to the political arena - hot damn," Ben Capozzi said. He said he was proud of his effort, but also "naturally, I'm disappointed."
He said he did not consider the results "a mandate for the status quo."
Capozzi built his campaign around the idea that council members were not receptive to residents' input, pointing toward Christiansburg's emptying downtown as a sign that town leaders are focused more on the outlying retail areas.
Linkous, 68, said Christiansburg leaders have focused on providing economic development and basic services to the community.
"I feel real pleased," he said, on winning his third term. "I view my win as a vote of confidence of what we're trying to do in Christiansburg."
Ann Carter, who was elected to a second term, said she was pleased with the voter turnout. "I'm very pleased that more people take an interest" in Christiansburg government, she said.
Jack Via, 67, was elected to a sixth term. "Young Capozzi made a good showing for a first-time contender," he said. "I don't read into [the results] that voters are dissatisfied with the way town government is being run."
Ray "Eddie" Lester, 55, won a third term. He was not available for comment Tuesday night.
by CNB