ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 12, 1997 TAG: 9703120054
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER
He said he would not have applied had he known that Elizabeth Burford was going to run.
Jeff Artis has dropped his bid for the Roanoke School Board and endorsed Elizabeth Burford for one of the three seats to be filled in May.
Artis, a former teacher and City Council candidate, said Tuesday he would not have applied if he had known that Burford was going to become a candidate.
"She is more qualified and polished than me, and I don't want to do anything that could hurt her chances to be appointed," he said.
Artis said he became acquainted with Burford when he taught at William Fleming High, and he would like to see her on the board.
Burford retired as an English teacher last fall and now works part-time as a real estate agent.
Artis said he also wants to be free to work with others to form an organization that will promote economic development within the black community. He hopes to make an announcement within the next two weeks on plans for the organization.
"I don't want to put myself in a position where there could be a conflict" if he were on the board, he said.
Artis' withdrawal leaves 11 applicants for the three seats with terms that begin July 1.
Chairwoman Marsha Ellison is seeking a new term, but Vice Chairman John Saunders will not seek reappointment. Marilyn Curtis is ineligible for reappointment.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB