Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 5, 1995 TAG: 9505050072
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BRIAN KELLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Rush, 27, said he'll continue to work for the goals of his first term: building economic development, improving schools and operating a responsive county government. He cited accomplishments on all three goals since joining the board in January 1992.
"I think we've got the county going in the right direction, and I want to continue that," he said. So far, he has no announced challenger.
On economic development, Rush cited Falling Branch, a 164-acre industrial park along Interstate 81 the county is developing, along with growth in the Elliston-Lafayette Industrial Park. He also cited the expansions at Corning Inc. and Wolverine Gasket Co.. The board supported both expansions, financially for Wolverine and by backing an improved railroad crossing for Corning.
In the coming four years, Rush said, the challenge will be continuing the effort to diversify the county's dependence on state government, retail and defense-related jobs.
On schools, Rush noted the two new elementary schools, Falling Branch and Kipps, opened since 1992. He said school-building needs will be key over the next four years, especially given a School Board report that calls for new schools in several areas of the county.
Among the supervisors, Rush said, he may be the closest to the schools. "I'm a graduate [of Christiansburg High School], my mom's a teacher, my son's a kindergartner."
On county government, Rush said the board took a step forward with the employee pay-raise plan included in the budget that takes effect July 1. "I feel like people believe I've been responsive to their needs," he said.
Rush upset two-term board member Ann Hess in 1991 to win his first term. He represents District B, which covers the Ellett Valley, takes up much of central Christiansburg and extends down Peppers Ferry Road through Vicker to the New River. He lost to Del. Jim Shuler, D-Blacksburg, in the 1993 race for the 12th District House of Delegates seat.
Rush is a delivery driver for Federal Express, owns a Christiansburg dance studio with his wife, Amy, and is a partner in a minor league football team that's to start play this fall in Roanoke. He and Amy live in Christiansburg and have two sons, Cody, 6, and Forrest, 2.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB