ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, May 24, 1996 TAG: 9605240085
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JON CAWLEY STAFF WRITER
Iron Gate's only constable, Sgt. Jim Phillips, was expected to resign Thursday at the town's monthly council meeting following his conviction on a reckless driving charge. He didn't attend.
"He told a council person and the town clerk that he was coming to tonight's meeting to resign. But we received a letter saying he was suffering from chest pain and a doctor's report would follow. So he wanted to wait until the next meeting June 20," Iron Gate Mayor Otis Payne said.
The decision concerning Phillip's job could have been decided in his absence; however, Payne said, "under the circumstances, we can wait awhile."
At the next meeting, the council will attempt to repeal the charter requiring Iron gate to have a police sergeant.
"If we eliminate the position, we have to have readings where we must come up with a resolution for the General Assembly and publicize it for two weeks so citizens can have input," Payne said.
When asked about the many calls Payne says he has received about Phillips, Phillips said: "An anonymous phone call at 11 o'clock at night is not a complaint; it's harassment."
Phillips has said he will appeal his conviction on the reckless driving charge. For him, the issue now is not the job in Iron gate. "I'm appealing because it [the charge] is an affront to my integrity."
"I've been a public servant for 25 years and as far as I know I've never had a written complaint," Phillips said recently.
Phillips was found guilty of reckless driving May 20 after a motorist charged that Phillips almost hit him head-on while passing a tractor-trailer in pursuit of a car whose driver was suspected of driving on a suspended license.
Staff writer Matt Chittum contributed to this story.
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB