Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 11, 1995 TAG: 9504110130
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
In the past two months, the supervisors twice appointed School Board members to fill the unexpired terms of members who had retired.
On both occasions, the board's attorney later determined, it made a mistake - based on a legal opinion he had given - by not holding a public hearing.
Monday, the board held the public hearing the law requires. It will vote on School Board appointments next week.
"I don't think the selection of a School Board member should be taken lightly," said John Shelor, who spoke in support of Bob Patterson, a Roanoke lawyer and former School Board member, for the Buchanan District seat.
Last month, the supervisors appointed Webster Booze Jr., who served for 10 years on the Board of Supervisors, to that seat.
Booze also had his supporters Monday, including his wife and longtime James River boys' basketball and girls' softball coach John Shotwell.
The board's appointment of Michael Beahm to the Valley District seat drew no opposition.
But timing is everything, said resident Christian Mangels, who told the board he's new to the public hearing game.
"To hold a public hearing at 3:30 in the afternoon, I don't know how much public input you are going to get," he said.
by CNB