Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 23, 1995 TAG: 9505230080
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Kathy Loan
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That's 100 or so more than attended the 1991 mass meeting, which was regarded as a record-setter then.
A trio of candidates for sheriff was what most folks (especially we in the media) assumed had produced the crowd - content to give up a gorgeous late Saturday afternoon to stand in long lines to register, then sit through two hours of nominations, speeches and voting.
Party leaders dispensed with uncontested races first, with the assembled casting voice votes and the nominee taking just a few minutes to say thanks and outline concerns.
Still, with addresses by honored guests - current and hopeful-future members of the state legislature, reports by the nominating committee and the reading of the call to mass meeting, it was well into the dinner hour before the candidates for two contested nominations got to speak.
As the secret-ballot votes for the commissioner of the revenue race were being tallied, several folks rushed for the exits for a break from the stuffy Christiansburg Middle School gym, where no food or drink was allowed, save the sealed cans of "Newt Nuts" being sold as a fund-raiser.
Some of those seeking a respite from the steamy gym never made it back. Vote tellers reported 503 people cast ballots in the Helen St. Clair-Steve Fijalkowski race, won by St. Clair with a 39-vote margin. But 88 fewer people cast votes in the three-way race for the sheriff's nomination.
So it's hard to to tell which race drew the record-setting crowd. Could be, more folks were there to put in their two-cents worth in determining who would make a bid for the commissioner post long-held by Democrat Robertine Jordan. Or it could be that not even a fierce contest for the vote to decide GOP's top cop was worth further sacrificing Saturday evening plans.
Many of the 415 who did stay for the sheriff's race left as soon as they cast their ballots, depending on friends to let them know the results later.
But a loud, cheering crowd remained to congratulate Doug Marrs when he won the nomination and to extend handshakes to Dan Haga and Roy Bolen, both gracious in defeat. Marrs will learn who his chief opponent will be after the Democrats select one of five candidates June 3 at Christiansburg High School.
A good 20 to 30 minutes after the vote was announced, several people lingered, discussing the day and helping clean the gym of campaign literature and signs.
Now that's party loyalty.
The voting process wasn't nearly so organized Friday at the annual Montgomery-Floyd-Radford Bar Association spring gathering, where lawyers flock yearly to Dick Davis' Cumberlea property to socialize, enjoy a catered meal from Chris' and listen to the bluegrass group, Crossties.
Oh yeah, and to elect officers for the coming year.
These lawyers stand on ceremony day in and day out, careful to preface their courtroom statements with "Your Honor," or "May it please the court."
Their annual outdoor gathering is the time to loosen neckties and tailored suits, put aside the briefcases and legal briefs and have fun.
The association's president is determined by length of service. Rod Crowgey was next in line to assume the post and was so named Friday. Marilyn Buhyoff is president-elect. Voting for the other officers took minutes, nay seconds ... following a somewhat time-honored tradition that if you're in the office now, you're likely to keep it awhile, unless you're quick enough to nominate another person to take your place!
Quick as a judge's gavel, nominations were yelled out, seconded, closed and voted on.
Returned to office as vice presidents were: Patrick Moore, Radford; Gino Williams, Floyd; Christopher Tuck, Montgomery. Despite calling for other nominations, emcee Fred Kellerman, in outgoing-president Marc Long's absence, was returned as secretary. Marshall Frank, who's been treasurer for so long he was jokingly called "treasurer for life," also was returned to office.
Kathy Loan covers New River Valley police and courts for the Roanoke Times & World-News.
by CNB