Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 29, 1994 TAG: 9406300082
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"This service has proven itself. If it ain't broke, don't fix it," said Allan C. Burke.
Three of the workers - Mike Williams, Kathy Graham and Keith Althizer - handed the supervisors a petition with 1,600 signatures opposing a Community Services Board funding cut that would eliminate their jobs.
Supporters said the petitions were circulated during the past several weeks, as the controversy involving the 10 workers has intensified.
The Community Services Board announced last month that it would trim funding to the New River Valley Workshop and try to relocate the workers in mainstream jobs.
That decision sparked protests from relatives, who believe the change will disrupt the workers' lives.
"We know our sister better than anyone on the Community Service Board does," Laura Moore told the supervisors. "She does not need another change in her life."
Diane Sutphin, a 17-year workshop employee, recently lost her mother and was disoriented after being told of the layoff, Moore said.
A clinical psychologist's report says that Sutphin probably would not function well in the kind of work environment the Community Services Board advocates, Moore added.
Tammy Wright said her sister, Kathy Graham, is "happy and secure" at the workshop, which employs about 75 disabled workers in a variety of vocational and rehabilitative tasks. Removing her would "confuse her and cause unnecessary anxiety."
About 20 members of Edgemont Christian Church, where workshop employee Mike Williams is a deacon, attended the meeting to support him.
Supervisors Chairman Larry Linkous told the crowd they need to address their concerns directly to the Community Services Board at its next meeting.
That meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 28 at the Landmark Building, which is located at 644 First St. in Radford.
Linkous, who met with Community Services Board Executive Director Lynn Chenault on Monday, said Chenault agreed to continue covering transportation costs for the 10 workers if alternative sources can be found to fund their jobs.
Last week the Community Services Board voted to extend its contract with the New River Valley Workshop through July so options for the 10 can be pursued.
Until that body makes a final decision, the supervisors should take a wait-and-see attitude, said board member Nick Rush.
by CNB