Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505220078
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KIMBERLY D. DAVIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the only contested race, party newcomer Warren Brown Jr. defeated Robert Crouse, a one-time candidate for commissioner of revenue.
Out of the nearly 100 people at the meeting, 69 voted by secret ballot in the Catawba Magesterial District supervisor's race, with Brown securing the nomination.
During his acceptance remarks, Brown echoed some of his earlier comments and said the Board of Supervisors needs someone who is willing to sacrifice.
"We have to realize that it's a service," he said. "I want to serve the things I love. This is my way of serving my country, my community."
Brown just got out and worked harder to get more people to the meeting, said Don Duncan, 6th Congressional District Republican chairman.
Brown has "been involved in the community and wants to make sure Catawba is well-represented," he said.
Brown will work for the people of the Catawba District, Duncan said, not make himself more powerful. "Like he said, he looks upon it as a service."
Brown declared his candidacy in mid-March and has been knocking on doors, making phone calls and going to PTA meetings ever since, said party Chairman Hugh Key.
"It's the solid grass-roots work that everybody says should be done, but not everyone does," Key said.
By declaring his candidacy this month, Crouse may have got somewhat of a late start, Key said. "I don't know that [Crouse] saw as many people."
After a falling-out with the GOP, incumbent Ed Kohinke decided not to seek re-election.
A conservative who joined the party last year, Brown has lived his entire life in the Glenvar area. Brown will face Democrat Spike Harrison and Douglas Chandler Graham, an independent, in November.
Key said it's the right year for a Republican to win.
"We've got the support at the national and state levels. That gives [Brown] a leg up on winning in November," he said. "He knows the people, and I believe he will do well."
Roanoke County Republicans nominated three other candidates, all incumbents: Commonwealth's Attorney F.W. "Skip" Burkhart; Treasurer Fred Anderson; and Cave Spring Supervisor Fuzzy Minnix.
About 30 Roanoke County Democrats attended their party's mass meeting Tuesday at Northside Junior High School to nominate three candidates: Sheriff Gerald Holt and Commissioner of Revenue Wayne Compton, both incumbents, and Harrison.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB