ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 11, 1996 TAG: 9604110044
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
Don Terp, a leading opponent of the Roanoke County school bond issue that was defeated last week, has rejected an offer to head a task force to study county school needs, funding and other issues arising from the referendum.
Bob Johnson, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, called Terp earlier this week and invited him to oversee a study group that would include people who supported the bond referendum as well those who opposed it.
Terp, who contended the county couldn't afford the $37.4 million bond issue, said Wednesday he declined the offer because the task force would be only an advisory panel and he thinks it is unlikely to be effective.
"What is needed is a complete realignment of the priorities in the county and only the Board of Supervisors can do that," Terp said. "[The proposed panel] would probably just enhance the current government."
Johnson said he asked Terp to participate in the study because he thinks such a task force should have broad representation with diverse viewpoints. He has talked with School Board Chairman Jerry Canada and others about appointing the panel.
Johnson said the proposed task force likely would have two members from each of the county's five magisterial districts. It would have a broad mission and explore alternatives to real estate taxes to finance school improvements, he said.
Johnson said such a panel could provide advice and recommendations.
Windsor Hills Supervisor Lee Eddy, who remained neutral on the bond issue, said he liked Johnson's proposal for a panel. Eddy said Southwest County needs school improvements to relieve overcrowding, but he had reservations about the plan for a new Cave Spring High School.
Terp, a retiree who heads an organization known as Concerned Citizens for Good Government, said he doesn't see a real need for a study group.
"This is not an investigative process. The information is there. It is a matter of acting," he said.
The county's spending and taxing policies came under attack during the referendum campaign because the supervisors haven't been listening to voters, Terp said. "If they had listened to the people, they wouldn't be in a fix."
Johnson said it's unfortunate that school needs got caught up in the debate over taxes, water bills and other issues. The county needs to freeze water and sewer rates so they won't become a heavier financial burden for county residents, he said.
But Terp said it seems a little late for the supervisors to express concern about the rates. "That's like locking the barn after the horse has been stolen."
Terp said the residents' organization that opposed the bond issue will remain active and monitor county government. It is working with civic leagues in the Catawba and Glenvar areas, he said.
Terp, who helped lead opposition to the plan to consolidate the county with Roanoke six years ago, said the supervisors shouldn't get involved in planning school improvements except to decide how to finance them.
The supervisors will work closely with the School Board in addressing the school needs, Johnson said. The supervisors have a role because they will have to provide the money, he said.
The School Board must rely on the supervisors for funds for both its operating budget and school improvements because it does not have taxing power.
To finance school improvements, the county needs to realign its spending priorities and pay for them without increasing taxes, Terp said.
The School Board has identified about $85 million in needed school improvements throughout the county. Canada said it plans to make a study of all the county's school needs before setting priorities and deciding how to proceed with projects.
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