ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9605010034
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SPARSE turnout at candidates' forums can indicate a lack of voter interest. In Blacksburg's councilmanic race, it may just as likely reflect voters' confidence in their town government.
In next Tuesday's election, four well-qualified candidates are vying for three council seats. Whatever the outcome, the town's reputation for good government isn't at risk.
Also, whatever the outcome, growth management will remain the crucial issue and council agenda item.
The field includes two respected incumbents, Frances Parsons and Michael Chandler, each with a solid record of service on council and in other areas of local and regional government. It would be hard to justify turning either away.
Parsons is a longtime Blacksburg resident who has made the town's development and quality of life virtually her career. A member of council since 1972, she also serves on the Montgomery County Economic Development Commission.
Chandler is an associate professor at Virginia Tech who has worked with localities throughout Virginia on community planning. He's running for a third council term.
The other contenders are Ron Rordam, who owns and operates Health Benefits Services, and Todd Halwas, a real-estate broker. Both are businessmen; both are seeking elective office for the first time.
Rordam, vice chairman of the Blacksburg Planning Commission, seems largely in tune with the current thinking and direction of the town government. Halwas, a former president of the Greater Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce, is considered more the business community's candidate, and more of an outsider.
To his credit, Halwas was the only candidate at a recent forum to speak up for the proposed ``smart road'' link between Blacksburg and Interstate 81, based on the economic growth that smart-road research is expected to generate. He echoed the chamber's position in favor of a proposed I-73 routing through Blacksburg. He also says he'd like to see regulations on business and land-use zoning become less restrictive.
This newspaper supports both the smart road and the need for growth, particularly in advancing Virginia Tech's regional potential as an economic engine. We believe Town Council should support both, too.
But, as recent land-use controversies over Tom's Creek Basin and Price Mountain make evident, the need for sophisticated, farsighted growth-management planning has never been greater.
We hope that, whoever is seated on council, the town not only sustains but strengthens its commitment to preserve what makes Blacksburg a superb place and an attractor to growth.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CITY COUNCIL MAYORby CNB