
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 2, 1995                   TAG: 9506020088
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-14   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD                                  LENGTH: Medium

EFFLER TO RUN FOR CIRCUIT COURT CLERK

Carter Effler, a Radford School Board member, plans to run as an independent candidate to succeed J.D. Harman as clerk of Radford Circuit Court. Harman, 67, announced earlier this year that he would not run for another eight-year term. He's held the job since 1984 when he was appointed to serve out the term of Giles Goodykoontz, who had resigned due to poor health.

"With the retirement of J.D. Harman, it seemed like a good time to try [for the clerk's job]," Effler said.

His candidacy means a three-way race this fall for the job, which pays just over $60,000 a year. Four Republicans and one Democrat already have declared their intentions to run.

Effler's announcement Thursday came one day after he failed to gain appointment to the School Board. His term expires June 30.

During Wednesday's City Council interviews of the five School Board contenders, Mayor Tom Starnes raised the issue of Effler's possible candidacy for elective office without mentioning the office by name.

Effler acknowledged his intentions. Thursday, he said he thought his pending candidacy might have been a factor in council's decision not to reappoint him.

While conceding he would have to learn the legal aspects of the clerk's job, Effler, 53, said he considers himself well equipped to handle the business side. He has been employed for 31 years at New River Clinical Lab, where he's now general supervisor.

Effler, a Radford native, has served six years on the School Board. He's also an 18-year-veteran of the Radford Volunteer Fire Department and has been on the board of the New River Valley Detention Home for 10 years.

Running as an independent puts him at a disadvantage, he said, since he had no party support. "I've never been active in party politics."

"I'm going to run a vigorous campaign," he said. "I think I have a shot at it."

Announced Republican candidates include Todd Jones, R. Coleman Brittle, Wanda Humphrey and Lisa Brown. Republicans choose their candidate at a mass meeting Tuesday.

Zelda Vaughn, Harman's chief deputy clerk, is the only announced Democratic candidate. Harman has said he will support her.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB