ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, July 26, 1996 TAG: 9607260061
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAN CASEY STAFF WRITER
A little more than a week after a blistering attack by the city's vice mayor, the city manager's Community Relations Task Force has scheduled a series of four community meetings to listen to Roanokers' views on race relations.
The group, which last issued a report five years ago, was reconstituted by City Manager Bob Herbert early this year at the direction of City Council.
At the most recent council meeting on July 15, members quizzed Herbert on the task force, only to find out it was still trying to organize.
"I have not heard anything lately about that organization," Councilman Carroll Swain said.
"The whole city could blow up and turn to ash and another city could arise before they get together and get their act together," Vice Mayor Linda Wyatt complained. "The news that they're sitting around trying to figure out what to do astounds me. How long does it take to get organized, to open your ears and listen?"
The task force this week scheduled one meeting in each of the city's four quadrants. Comment will be sought on race relations and the city Police Department, the city government, schools and education, youth, neighborhoods and the media.
The meetings will be held:
* Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at Oakland Elementary School.
* Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at William Fleming High School.
* Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at Fallon Park Elementary School.
* Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. at Patrick Henry High School.
Residents may sign up to address the group by calling the city manager's office at 981-2333. Those unable to attend can send written comments to the task force at the City Manager's Office, 215 Church Avenue S.W., Roanoke 24012. Correspondence should be sent to the attention of Melinda Payne.
For more information, contact Payne at 981-3100 extension 680; Bishop Heath Light, 342-6797; Gordon Davidson, 342-1231; or Gloria Manns, 772-2877.
LENGTH: Short : 47 linesby CNB