THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 14, 1995 TAG: 9504140441
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Only half a dozen residents and business owners on Roanoke Island turned out for the inaugural meeting of a new government watchdog group.
Still, organizers say they are optimistic.
``It's a good beginning,'' said Sybil Ross, one of the organizers. ``This is a very positive thing. We think that getting residents and property owners together to talk about issues that concern them is a positive approach.''
The group, Ross said, is being formed in the wake of a controversial change in the town's land-use plan by the Manteo Board of Commissioners.
By a 4-2 vote, the commissioners adopted language that will make it easier for businesses and individuals outside the town limits to tie into municipal water and sewer service. Residents are concerned that the additional service recipients will strain the capacity of the current water and sewer facility.
That action is awaiting approval by the Coastal Resources Commission.
Ross said the Manteo group will be modeled after similar organizations in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Southern Shores. She was quick to point out that the group, which hasn't been named, will not endorse candidates.
``We're going to be issue-oriented,'' she said.
``I don't think it's proper for a group of this type to endorse candidates. We're going to be involved in issues that affect the town.''
Among the issues to be discussed:
The ongoing debate over development, annexation and municipal services.
Ways to build public awareness by publishing commission agendas in newspapers and electronic media.
Attendance at commission meetings and the need to monitor agendas for key issues.
Manteo resident Bob Woody said the group's major aim is to make the town's officials more responsive to the people.
``There's a real lack of leadership,'' he said. ``There seems to be a reluctance to listen to the citizens of Manteo.''
The group will meet again at 7:30 p.m. on May 1 at the Outer Banks History Center. by CNB