THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, November 15, 1995           TAG: 9511150208
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE                         LENGTH: Short :   28 lines

PARKER TAKES COUNCIL OATH AFTER INCUMBENT EDGE RESIGNS SEAT

A last-minute hitch almost prevented Dwight M. Parker, the winner in last week's tight race for a special City Council seat, from taking the oath of office Tuesday night.

A provision in state election law requiring Parker to wait until after Nov. 30 to file his last campaign finance report forced city officials to call off a planned swearing-in ceremony.

To solve the problem, Dalton S. Edge, the incumbent council member whom Parker defeated, publicly resigned his seat.

That opened the way for the council to appoint Parker to the post until his election can be legally certified.

The council voted 8-0 to accept Edge's resignation and to appoint Parker.

The new councilman was then sworn in by Court Clerk Lillie M. ``Lil'' Hart.

KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE CITY COUNCIL by CNB