ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 2, 1996 TAG: 9603040013
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
In a Town Council campaign that so far has few hot-button issues, Bob Hockett has found a topic he hopes people will rally around.
Indeed, the controversies about the town's proposed recreation center are what prompted Hockett to mount a council run.
"My campaign may be more of a referendum on what people feel about the recreation center," Hockett said Friday, two days after submitting the petition names required to be on the ballot May 7.
Hockett is well aware of concerns about the town's recreation program. He was a member of a recreation advisory committee that recommended a new building be built off of Depot Street for the burgeoning and popular program.
Instead, in a surprise move a year ago, the town bought the vacated Lowe's building on North Franklin Street and planned to create a recreation center there. The plans were dealt a setback when the building's roof caved in after a record snowstorm in January.
The Lowe's purchase is an example of the town government's club-like atmosphere, Hockett said.
"They didn't solicit a lot of input from the citizens, and I thought if I was on the council I would solicit input," he said. "Generally, decisions are made in-house. I'd like to change the process."
Hockett, who has lived in Christiansburg since 1977 and is an engineer, said he was somewhat of a reluctant candidate and did not decide to run until the last couple of months.
"It's hard for me to be a people person," said the 48-year-old husband and father of two. "It's hard for me to do this, but I feel like there needs to be a choice. ... This isn't a stepping stone. I just feel like it's something important to do."
Even though the ballot this year will be as crowded as anyone can remember, Hockett plans a low-key campaign. He will invite people for coffee to meet him, and he might do some door-to-door work and place some newspaper advertisements.
Seven other people have submitted the necessary 125 petition names to run, and more may step forward before the March 5 deadline. Those who have filed so far are Bob Abraham, Richard Ballengee, Rocco Capozzi, Jay Newman, Paul Poff, and incumbents Wayne Booth and Scott Weaver.
At least one new face is guaranteed on council, thanks to Truman Daniel's decision not to seek another four-year term.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Hockett. KEYWORDS: POLITICS CITY COUNCILby CNB