THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511190434
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PERRY PARKS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Although he was one of five finalists for the city manager post, interim city manager Victor Sharpe has pulled out of the race.
``After careful consideration, I have withdrawn my name as a candidate for the position,'' Sharpe said Saturday, reading from a prepared statement. ``My decision to withdraw is based solely on my family's best interest and my personal career goals.
``I have and will continue to serve the city of Elizabeth City with 100 percent effort and a positive attitude toward Elizabeth City's future.''
Sharpe, 29, is the city's planning director and has been serving as interim city manager since mid-June.
He declined to elaborate on his statement and said the decision was not related to reports that he had made late payments on his city utility bills for several months in a row before applying for the post.
Mayor H. Rick Gardner announced early this month that the field of applicants had been narrowed to five and said Tuesday that one candidate had withdrawn. Officials have not disclosed information about applicants, citing state personnel laws.
``I respect his decision to withdraw,'' Gardner said Saturday. ``I have a lot of respect for Victor, and in all probability he would have made a good city manager.''
The council interviewed the first of its four remaining candidates on Thursday - former city manager Tommy Coombs. The council will interview another on Tuesday. Council members hope to hire a manager before two council seats change hands on Dec. 4.
The city manager post opened when Ralph A. Clark announced his resignation on May 31. Sharpe said he would continue as interim manager until the vacancy is filled.
``It definitely has been, and is, a great experience for me,'' Sharpe said. by CNB