THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996 TAG: 9603070420
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
The newly named director of the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority has quit before starting.
Earl B. Pullen, who would have been the first African American in the post, has decided to remain as director of the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Leroy Bennett, chairman of the Suffolk agency, said Wednesday night, ``I am deeply disappointed that the people of this city have been deprived of the privilege of working with Mr. Pullen. Unfortunately for us, he was held in even higher esteem by his board in Charlottesville.''
Bennett said that Pullen was offered better incentives in Charlottesville and that his staff gave him an appreciation rally.
Pullen was unavailable for comment. The Suffolk authority board met in closed session Wednesday to discuss finding a new director.
``It was a good selection,'' said Jeffrey L. Gardy, board attorney. ``But I guess he had a good offer.''
The Suffolk board voted 4-3 in January to hire Pullen. He was to have started work here March 11 for a salary of $57,500, plus a $2,400 auto allowance and $2,900 for moving expenses.
Commissioner John B. Faircloth, who had voted against Pullen, said he favored a Suffolk candidate. ``I was concerned about someone moving us into the 20th century,'' said Faircloth.
The authority has been without a director since December, when former director James P. Armstrong left to pursue his doctoral degree.
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY by CNB