ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 13, 1996 TAG: 9601140013
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON STAFF WRITER
After serving 24 years on Salem City Council - 221/2 of those as mayor - Jim Taliaferro has decided he won't seek re-election in May.
He nearly came to that decision four years ago, but was persuaded by others to run again.
"I felt like 20 years was enough. I know 24 was," Taliaferro said Friday. "I just can't think of a better time to step aside."
Taliaferro said he is proud of what has been accomplished.
About $100 million of taxpayers' money has been spent for capital projects, from the ongoing renovations to G.W. Carver Elementary School to the $10.1 million Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium that was finished last summer.
"I feel we've done a credible job," Taliaferro said.
Others on City Council say there will be no replacing Taliaferro.
"I don't think anyone would want to try," City Councilman Alex Brown said. "Things are going to be very different without him."
Brown hailed Taliaferro for his leadership style.
"He's very patient, and he thinks things through," Brown said.
Taliaferro said he will go back to his contracting business after he steps down - something that has almost taken a back seat during his years as mayor.
"The mayor's job takes a lot of extra time," he said.
Taliaferro said he knows of two or three people who have shown interest in running for his seat, although he would not say who they are.
In addition to Brown, 12-year council member Howard Packett also will see his term expire in May.
Neither has committed to running again, although Brown, who has been on City Council 16 years, said Friday that he likely will seek re-election.
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICSby CNB