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

DATE: THURSDAY, June 30, 1994                   TAG: 9406300206
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

OFFICIAL GETS BACK TO HIS ROOTS

The lanky civil engineer leaves Vinton July 1 for a new post with Roanoke County. As assistant utilities director, Benninger returns to the roots of his chosen profession - engineering.

"My background is in the design and development of water systems. I wasn't looking to leave Vinton, but the new job is a better fit," said Benninger, 42.

Benninger estimates that about 85 percent of his job with Vinton is administrative. Fewer administrative chores come with the new position. His initial duties with the county center on the Spring Hollow Reservoir project. A noticeable grin comes with that revelation.

"Working for the Town of Vinton has provided the profound realization that a municipality is a service provider. The citizens are its customers. Coming from a consulting background, I never really saw it that way. You gotta be aware of that and do the best that you can for your customers."

At a typical town council meeting, Benninger sits in the front row awaiting questions from town staff or the council. Afterward, a line of two or three citizens often forms. They seem comfortable talking to the man who coordinates street paving and utility improvements.

During his tenure in Vinton, Benninger has worn many hats, but always seems more comfortable in work shoes. His desk is often piled high with paperwork, but he spends much time outside the office.

He wasn't on the job long in Vinton when George Nester resigned as town manager. He threw a hat into the ring then, but now seems satisfied not to have gotten the position. When Brad Corcoran left two years later, Benninger agreed to fill in as manager again but shied away from bidding on the job.

Being assistant town manager of Vinton has provided some quiet victories for Benninger, especially in the early days.

The Gladetown Project had just gone out to bid when Benninger came on the job, and he managed the project to completion. In the end, a low-lying, downfallen neighborhood was transformed into a place with adequate drainage and structurally sound homes and sidewalks.

It's not surprising that Benninger's most memorable experience with the town centers on a flood in 1992.

"That flood provided a mixed blessing. Quite a few areas in town have had recurring storm water problems that I didn't even know about. That storm brought the problems to the forefront. We realized parts of the system needed updating."

Benninger points to the Midway community as an example. Town staff twice applied for state funds to upgrade deteriorating water and sewer lines in Midway, and to improve housing.

"Those improvements still need to be made, whether or not a grant is received," Benninger said. He worked closely with the residents of Midway, and leaves Vinton hoping the project will not be abandoned.

"I've really enjoyed the five years here. The Council, the citizens - it was a very tough decision to make."

Vinton Mayor Charles Hill said he has always enjoyed a close working relationship with Benninger. "I think Bob has done a good job for the town. I wish him well and understand completely his desire to work in his chosen field, engineering."

Benninger begins his job with Roanoke County July 5. He said his family will continue to live in Vinton.