THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 31, 1996 TAG: 9601300116
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
DATELINE: WINDSOR LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
AFTER ALMOST 25 YEARS of serving on the Windsor Town Council, Vice Mayor Wesley Garris has a new title and a new chair.
He's now the mayor.
The council appointed Garris as mayor in December, when Bobby Claud resigned the position after winning a seat on the Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors in November's election. The mayoral term expires in June 1998.
Garris says his first council meeting as mayor, Jan. 9, felt a little strange at first, but then it was business as usual.
``I tried to make everything run smooth, and I think it did. There were no big issues.''
But future agendas may not be so light.
To increase the tax base in Windsor, town officials have been talking for the last several years about expanding the town boundaries.
Garris says he would like to see that happen during his term.
``We can't keep raising the real estate taxes. We need to bring some more light industry into Windsor, which would provide a broader tax base. It would also provide more jobs for the area.''
Garris hopes businesses will be attracted to Windsor because of its water system, weekly trash collection and the impending sewer line that will allow for more growth in the town.
``It won't be easy because every area is looking at that as a way of expanding,'' he says.
But Garris knows it's possible.
Throughout the years, he has been a part of several council accomplishments.
He helped build a cemetery fund, through the sale of lots, that is designed to pay for the cemetery's maintenance for years to come. And he chaired a committee that built Windsor's new fire station.
``That was several years in the making. It took a while to find the right piece of land (which is on U.S. Route 460), the right architect to build it and then construct the building. We spent $500,000 - and that's a lot of money for Windsor.''
Garris says he looks forward to leading Windsor through many more accomplishments.
``There's plenty yet to do.''
Name: Wesley Garris
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? County native
Birthdate/hometown: May 4, 1939/born in Walters and moved to Windsor when I was 12.
What's your fondest childhood memory? Christmas at grandmother's.
Marital status and children: Married 35 years to Cynthia Keeter Garris. Two daughters: Amy Weaver and Lynette Flemmons. One granddaughter.
Pets: Maltese dog
What was your first job/worst job? Farm labor, weeding peanuts for 20 cents an hour. No worst job. I made the best of each situation at that time.
Occupation: Senior quality analyst for Newport News Shipbuilding.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? Attorney
What's your favorite hangout? Our house at Kill Devil Hills, N.C.
Favorite night out on the town? Dinner and a movie
Favorite food/drink: Seafood and iced tea.
Favorite movie/TV show: ``Pretty Woman''/the news and weather
Book you wish everyone would read: The Bible. If more people would read and believe, the return to high morals and family values would eliminate a lot of the country's problems.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Relaxing on the Outer Banks or traveling around the country.
I can't resist: Chocolate
Few people know that . . . I believe you learn by listening and not talking.
Most embarrassing moment: Most embarrassing moments were caused by speaking prior to thinking.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Retire, keep some for Cynthia and I to travel, give to our children, our church and the needy.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' The Golden Rule.
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? I respect and care for other people. I am very considerate of their feelings.
Of which achievements are you most proud? My family and my service to the town and community.
Something you wish to say but haven't: All Windsor Town Council members that I have served with during the past 25 years have served the people to the best of their abilities. Most people are very supportive of our town. However, the town needs the support of every citizen. Do not wait until an issue is at your door or affects your pocketbook before you get involved. Windsor needs you. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
by CNB