ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996 TAG: 9603120002
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON
Steve Smeltzer believes that Salem residents want a change within the city. And, he hopes to be a vehicle for bringing that change to City Council.
"Change is created by the fact that [Mayor Jim] Taliaferro is stepping down," he said. "By his doing that, he set the stage for the election."
"I offered my candidacy primarily to act as an agent of new blood," said Smeltzer, president of Blue Ridge Office Systems.
He moved to Salem 12 years ago after relocating his business from Roanoke County. A native of Abingdon, Smelter says his mother grew up in Salem, and his family frequently visited during his childhood.
Smeltzer is not displeased with the way things have been run in Salem.
In fact, there are many things Smeltzer would just like to see maintained, such as the city's strong school system and pro-business climate.
But the election will be an opportunity to bring new ideas to council, he said.
"I am hoping to create an atmosphere of greater citizen participation in government," he said.
This may be done by council appointing more citizen advisory committees and listening to citizen action groups. Council can also help foster more participation from civic groups, Smeltzer said.
Council should "listen to its constituency a little more," he said.
Smeltzer also has a few ideas to help the city's economic development.
"One of the things is to have Salem look at one of the greatest assets we have here - Interstate 81."
Tourists drive by Salem daily, he said, but they're not coming into Salem, Smeltzer said.
"You've got to give them a reason," he said, whether it's to shop the numerous antique stores downtown, or to see an Avalanche baseball game. "I'm interested in Salem looking at a visitor's center."
As a member of New Century Council, Smeltzer is a strong supporter of participation in regional projects. Salem has done a good job of this in the past, he said. But he would like to see more of it.
"There's nothing wrong with being individual-minded and looking after your own," Smeltzer said. "But still, if the area is going to be progressive, we do need a lot of cooperation."
STEPHEN M. SMELTZER
Age: 47
Occupation: President, Blue Ridge Office Systems, a regional distributor of medical software and forms.
Personal: Married, two children
Education: Bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia
Background: First try for elective office.
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Steve Smeltzer\Says citizens want change. KEYWORDS: POLITICS CITY COUNCILby CNB