Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 22, 1995 TAG: 9507240021
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Wat Hopkins, Jim Klagge, Michael Smith and Bernard Jortner each had received endorsements - and $300 campaign contributions - from the Montgomery County Education Association's Political Action Committee last week. The four spoke to a crowd of about 20 in the Jewish Community center Thursday.
Mainstream Citizens formed one year ago to ``ensure that religious freedom and democratic principles ... remain safe from religious extremism,'' according to the group's literature.
Members include parents, teachers, and other Montgomery County residents. Klagge, a Tech philosophy professor who is running for a seat in District F, was a founder.
The four candidates addressed issues chosen by the group: family-life education, religion in schools and other topics that may develop in this fall's election.
While they expressed a hope that religion in schools would not become an issue in campaigns, they admitted the potential is likely.
And that's unfortunate, said Hopkins, a Virginia Tech communications professor who is running against the incumbent appointee, Peggy Arrington, in District G.
``I say `unfortunately' because you know how emotional that can get.''
Monica Appleby, coordinator for the group, said members decided to hear the four PAC-endorsed candidates for two reasons.
``We wanted to present moderate candidates who believe in education and the need for separation of the church and state,'' she said.
And members didn't think it was necessary to hold an open debate because the League of Women Voters, together with local PTAs, will hold a forum in October.
Jack LeDoux,who wasn't asked to speak, said it gave a one-sided picture of School Board choices. He is running against Smith and Victor Sheppard for the District E seat.
LeDoux, chairman of the local Christian Coalition chapter, also questioned whether the candidates chosen could be accurately termed as ``moderate.''
``I wouldn't classify them as moderates. They're affiliated with MCEA, and that's the most liberal organization around here,'' he said.
The candidates who spoke said they believe in the need for a separation of church and state, but they could see a place for religion in schools.
``Religion is one of the most important forces in our society,'' Klagge said. ``It needs to be learned about like any other part of our culture.''
The four candidates supported family-life education as necessary to teach essential skills. ``Self-esteem, decision-making skills, understanding the risks and responsibilities of sexual activity - these are vital for young people,'' said Jortner, a pathologist for Tech's veterinary school. He's running for the District B seat.
by CNB