ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 10, 1996 TAG: 9602120007
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
Pulaski Mayor Andy Graham got an early start on his re-election campaign, announcing Friday that he would seek a second term .
Town elections will be May 7.
Graham said the decision to run again did not come easily, because the mayor's job is a challenging one.
"I am sincerely committed to working for growth and development, and ensuring adequate services to our citizens," he said. "I am aware that we must be fiscally prudent as we work toward realizing our goals."
He said the community's most serious problem, in his view, is providing needed services with reasonable taxes. "My approach is to be conservative in spending tax dollars," he said.
Graham said he wants to continue working on improving the town's sewage collection system, currently losing money to leaks that add ground water to what is piped 17 miles to the Peppers Ferry Wastewater Treatment Authority.
He wants to see the town's water pressure and volume upgraded in areas where it is low.
"Extending the New River Trail into town and expanding the Ratcliffe Memorial Museum are vital to our goal of becoming the cultural and recreational center of Southwest Virginia," he said. New River Trail State Park is to be extended to the town's train station building, which houses the museum.
Another goal, he said, is maintaining a positive economic climate in town for existing industry and businesses to expand and to attract new businesses.
Graham served on council for 24 years before running successfully for mayor in 1994. The post had been held by Gary Hancock, who did not seek re-election.
The mayor's post comes up for election every two years; council members are elected every four years. Council members whose terms will expire this year are E.G. "Junior" Black, Roy D'Ardenne, Alma Holston and John Johnston, who is completing the term of a council member who resigned two years ago.
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICSby CNB