ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 28, 1996 TAG: 9602280061
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
Richard Ballengee, instructional supervisor for Montgomery County Schools and former president of the Christiansburg-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, has thrown his hat into the ring for the May 7 Town Council election.
Ballengee filed about 250 petition signatures, twice the required number, with the county's registrar Friday.
Ballengee, 59, has held a variety of positions in the county school system, including teacher, assistant principal and principal. He has lived in Christiansburg for 32 years and in the county almost all his life.
"I feel like I know the community, and I know the needs of the community," he said. "There are a whole lot of people who have been very kind to me over the years, and I want to try to give something back."
He said he wants to see a council that will "keep Christiansburg a progressive yet conservative community." He would advocate "progress without a financial burden."
He added, "I think sometimes council makes decisions without regard to what citizens think."
Ballengee said he plans a low-key campaign that will feature some door-to-door work and fliers, and maybe some newspaper advertisements. He said he will not spend a lot of money, and his campaign methods will depend on those of his competitors.
Two other candidates, Bob Abraham and Rocco Capozzi, have turned in their petitions, and postal employee Paul Poff said he was planning to submit his signatures Tuesday.
Incumbent candidates Wayne Booth and Scott Weaver are gathering names, as is challenger Bob Hockett. Several other potential candidates may be considering a run in what is becoming the most competitive council election in recent memory.
Council is guaranteed to have at least one new face in the wake of Truman Daniel's decision not to seek re-election. Three seats will be decided in the May voting.
Interested candidates should file forms with the registrar by March 5.
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Ballengee KEYWORDS: POLITICS CITY COUNCILby CNB