Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 20, 1994 TAG: 9407200108
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Vinton residents are worrying that with Hill gone from the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, the town may lose some clout in determining the direction of the Explore Park.
For four years, Hill was a member of the board of directors of the authority, which oversees the development of Explore. He got the ax despite his support of Gov. George Allen.
Allen dismissed Hill and five other board members on July 1. The news media learned that Hill was fired before he did.
That rankled the often vocal Henry Brabham, who said the town and its mayor deserved better.
"The town of Vinton was probably the most supportive of any municipality around. It pledged a water system, sewer services, gave land," Brabham said Tuesday. "It was my understanding that the town would always be represented on the committee."
Brabham told council that Allen owes Hill an apology.
"I'm not too ... sure I'd ever vote for him again," he said.
J. Monty Williams, another Allen critic, took it a step further.
"I think we should request that Governor Allen reappoint you," he told the mayor.
Joe Bush, vice mayor of Vinton, seemed surprised that Explore has become politicized.
"I always thought this was a nonpartisan project. ... We certainly took care of their needs when they had some."
If Allen insists on playing hardball, Bush said, he shouldn't be allowed to play on Vinton's turf.
Bush wants the park's headquarters booted out of its rental space in the Vinton War Memorial.
While the town's citizens came to his defense, Hill attempted to remain above the fray.
"I don't know that this was a slap at Charlie Hill, but I think it was a personal slap at the town of Vinton. If Explore is going to amount to anything, it has to remain nonpartisan."
by CNB