Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511030073
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KIMBERLY N. MARTIN, DWAYNE YANCEY AND JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
He said in a letter to the editor of The Roanoke Times dated Oct. 30 that he decided not to seek a second term because "this office takes too much of my time for too little in return: It pays less than $10,000 per year, and the recognition is almost always negative."
Much of that negative publicity has flowed from the four candidates vying for Kohinke's seat, including Harrison. They have characterized Kohinke as a waffler on important issues, and Harrison has said that Kohinke did little for Catawba.
"It's my impression that the only candidate who even comes close to understanding the 'real reality' of balancing a private life with a public life - and capable of being effective in both at the same time - is Spike Harrison, notwithstanding all of the smoke he blows about my 'lack of focus,''' Kohinke said in the letter.
When informed Thursday of Kohinke's support, Harrison was quick to point out that the incumbent's backing was unsolicited.
"In no way have I sought his endorsement; I don't think anyone running is seeking his endorsement," Harrison said. But "I'm not going to say I flat refuse his support, either."
Harrison is competing against Republican Warren Brown Jr. and independents Robert Crouse and Douglas Chandler Graham for Kohinke's seat.
Jordahl strikes back at School Board
Vern Jordahl charged Thursday that Roanoke County School Board members were trying to prevent his election because he posed a threat to their financial games and educational policies.
"They are trying to cover their tracks. They are afraid that if I get on the board, their games will be over," said Jordahl, a candidate for the Cave Spring seat on the board.
Jordahl said he believed board members had gotten involved in the campaign because they feared Jordahl would expose their mistakes and failed policies.
"Their defensiveness shows the fear that they have. It proves the validity of my complaints," he said.
At a news conference Wednesday, board members accused Jordahl of distributing inaccurate and misleading information, even though none of them are running.
Chairman Jerry Canada denied that the board was trying to influence the outcome of the election or hide anything.
"I want to assure the citizens of the Cave Spring District that we will work with whomever they send to represent them on the board," Canada said.
Canada said the board's only objective was to set the record straight on five items in Jordahl's campaign brochure.
He said the board members regretted the necessity of calling a news conference on the brochure, but they believed voters should have accurate information to help them make their choice.
Jordahl said some of the board's responses to his criticisms were illogical and unfounded.
And, he said, "the board members are functioning as rubber stamps for Richmond, Washington and the Roanoke County Education Association. They are not responsive to parents and serving as our School Board."
Averill slams 'Boss Hogg' Cranwell
The New York Times swooped into Virginia last week to write about Republicans' push to make the Old Dominion the first Southern state in which it controls both houses of the state legislature. The race it focused on? The contest between House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County, and Republican challenger Trixie Averill.
Averill, who's known for her colorful phrasings, wasn't at a loss for words. Some excerpts:
On Cranwell: "He's played his Big Daddy, Boss Hogg role for so long that he can't let go. He strides through Vinton like he owns it - everybody's his chattel."
On her ties to Gov. George Allen: "The guy spent the night at my house in his bare feet, sitting back and chewing tobacco, chewing and spitting. So I have a hard time calling him governor."
On her role in making history: "If I win, I make state headlines as Davida beats Goliath. If I lose, I'm Saint Trixie of the GOP."
But then there was this line the New York Times wrote about Cranwell: "His populist cover may have been diminished by the fact that his brother-in-law drives him around in a black Lincoln Town Car. Yet, Mrs. Averill was not about to seize on that particular vulnerability of Cranwell. 'I've got a Lincoln, too,' she said. 'But I only use it on weekends.'"
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB