Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 1, 1994 TAG: 9411010123
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the first School Board election in Roanoke County, the incumbent Hollins district representative does not have to worry about issues, opponents or campaign strategy.
Canada is surprised no one challenged him. There is no shortage of candidates in Windsor Hills, which has four, and Vinton, with three.
Canada, 44, believes some potential candidates chose not to run because he is an incumbent, and also because he has been on the board only 21/2 years. One person did not want to challenge Canada because he knows him.
"If I had not run, I expect several people would have gotten into the race," Canada said.
When county voters decided to switch to an elected board, Bob Johnson, who represents the Hollins district on the Board of Supervisors, gave Canada his support. That apparently is one reason Canada has no opposition.
Johnson said he discouraged others from running because he believes Canada has done a good job. He helped circulate petitions to get Canada on the ballot for next week's election. To run for the board, candidates had to get the signatures of 125 registered voters.
"[Canada] is a good person. He has a sincere concern for children," Johnson said.
Canada is the only incumbent running. The board members representing Windsor Hills, Charlise Pafford, and Vinton, Barbara "Bootie" Chewning, are stepping down. Had they chosen to run, Canada believes, there would have been fewer candidates in their districts.
Chairman Frank Thomas, of the Catawba district, and Maurice "Buck" Mitchell, of Cave Spring, will face election in November 1995.
Canada, manager of the Roanoke branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles, was prepared for a contest if he had been opposed. But he does not consider himself a politician. He had never considered seeking a School Board seat until a few years ago, when he saw a newspaper advertisement inviting applicants. Under the previous system, board members were chosen by a selection commission appointed by Roanoke County Circuit Court judges.
Canada said he had to rush to get his application and resume filed before the deadline.
As a board member, Canada has pushed for more money for schools, saying funds are needed for new and renovated schools, higher salaries for teachers and other expenses.
Canada said school boards need the power of taxation so they won't have to depend on the local governing body for funds. Most political observers doubt the General Assembly will grant that power any time soon, but some School Board candidates believe it might happen within the next several years.
In the competition for county tax money in recent years, the school system has come up short because of a new landfill, water reservoir and other expensive projects, Canada said.
Teachers' salaries can no longer be neglected, he said, and should be raised to the national average. "We've got to let the teachers know that we are serious," he said.
He said it would cost $3 million to $4 million to raise teachers' salaries to the national average.
After the election, Canada wants the new School Board to hammer out an agreement with the Board of Supervisors on funding for schools.
"I want us to be assured that we will get the funds that we need," he said. "I hope we can agree that we need more money for schools and we need to do something about it."
Canada, a former state trooper, said the schools also need more money for band instruments and other extracurricular activities. Some band instruments are more than 25 years old.
Canada has a son who graduated from Northside High School in June and a daughter who attends Northside. Canada and his wife, Lane, have been active in the parent-teacher association and band boosters club.
JERRY CANADA
HOLLINS DISTRICT
Age: 44.
Birthplace: West Virginia.
Occupation: Manager of the Roanoke branch of the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
Education: National Business College.
Community Organizations: parent-teacher association at Northside High School and band boosters.
No. 1 concern or goal as a board member: To increase funding for schools so that needs can be met in building improvements and educational programs.
Family: wife, Lane; children, Jenny, Northside High School; and Ben, William and Mary.
Keywords:
POLITICS PROFILE
by CNB