Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 20, 1995 TAG: 9510200075
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Long
Both candidates for Board of Supervisors could claim the title of maverick (and would probably do so with pride), and both are independent thinkers. It's just that their independent thoughts often clash.
Linkous believes he helped put Fariss on the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors by campaigning for him in 1990 when Fariss challenged an incumbent in the Ingles District. Fariss won by 16 votes, did better when he was re-elected four years later, and is now seeking a third term with Linkous as his challenger.
Linkous, who had regularly attended Town Council meetings in his hometown of Dublin, ran against an incumbent himself and won his own election to become a councilman in 1990, though he was defeated for re-election last year. He was as outspoken on town issues, some of which involved the county, as was Fariss on county issues.
During that period, Linkous attended supervisors' meetings regularly and spoke out there, too, during residents' time. Often he and Fariss would end up debating the issue of the evening.
Fariss has often referred to the supervisor's job as a thankless one, and asked rhetorically why he could possibly want to run again.
"I looked at it and said I had the experience," he explained this time. "I don't have to go through the learning curve, and I think I make a contribution to the board by asking questions."
He points to board accomplishments such as county-wide zoning, a new landfill, a recycling program, a meals tax which helped avoid a real estate tax increase, computers in the schools, road improvements, and an increase in jobs despite plant closings and cutbacks. He speaks of the board's assistance to local industries such as Volvo-GM and the creation of industrial parks.
The biggest decision that the supervisors will have to make in the next four years, Fariss predicted, is what to do about aging school buildings that lack the kind of electrical systems needed for modern classrooms, handicapped access and other present-day necessities. Fariss said he has the time and ability to study such issues as they come before the board, and he has children in the school system. Combined, those things help him see all sides of key board issues, he said.
Linkous hasn't always wanted to be a candidate for the board. He went to the county registrar's office three times hoping some other contender would challenge Fariss, he said. When nobody had done so by the time he made his third visit, he decided to run as an independent against the Republican.
At first, Linkous said, he was simply looking for a soapbox to speak out on some issues. But as he went around gathering the required 125 signatures on his petition to run, he said, he found people surprisingly willing to support him. Now he thinks he has a chance of unseating the incumbent.
He has printed 3,000 business cards proclaiming "Colbern Linkous puts the interest of Pulaski County FIRST," and has distributed them door to door.
Fariss, meanwhile, is running a laid-back campaign, relying on some signs, mailings and "what people say." He drew a fair number of questions at a candidates' forum sponsored by the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, even though his challenger did not show up.
Linkous said he disliked the format of the forum, which gave opposing candidates each a minute to answer the same question. With such a time limit, he believed the gathering was simply a "beauty contest." Besides, he said, he disliked the chamber for supporting keeping the county courthouse in Pulaski and rebuilding it there after a 1989 fire instead of moving it to a more central location - like Dublin.
If Linkous is a "Pulaski County First" candidate now, he was a "Dublin First" councilman then. He was instrumental in scotching the idea of dropping the local police force and relying on county law enforcement. He favored annexation efforts. Whatever happens in the election, he is likely to continue his interest in county politics and policies.
Name: Bruce L. Fariss
Age: 61
Party: Republican
Family: Wife, Cheryl; four children, Henry, Sarah Jane, Caroline, Adam Fariss.
Job history: Medical practice in Radford specializing in endocrinology and metabolism.
Hobbies: "I ski, read books and work."
Last book read: "The Hive" by science-fiction writer Frank Herbert.
A major contribution he would make as a supervisor: Fariss would ask (and has asked) the tough questions. He said he would continue to be outspoken in probing for answers and not worry about any criticism that might generate.
Education: Graduated from Roanoke College, interned at University of Virginia Medical School, held a fellowship in endocrinology at University of California.
Military service: Worked as a medical consultant in Europe with the U.S. Army and with the Army's Department of Clinical Investigation in Tacoma, Wash.
Name: Colbern E. Linkous
Age: 75
Party: Independent
Family: Wife, Radie; two children, Brenda Smith, Donald Linkous.
Job history: Manager and meat-cutter at several chain and private groceries for about 25 years; Lynchburg Foundry in Radford, 141/2 years; now retired.
Hobbies: Amateur radio, since 1957.
Last book read: "I guess the Good Book is about the only book I ever read anymore."
A major contribution he could offer as a supervisor: Independence.
Education: Had to drop out of school in sixth grade to help support family during Depression; attended supply clerks' school and others while serving in U.S. Army during World War II.
Military service: Spent 21/2 years in Europe as infantry soldier, wounded at Normandy a month after D-Day, holds Purple Heart as well as Combat Infantryman's Badge. Radar operator with 9th Air Defense Command.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB