THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611020348
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
LENGTH: 41 lines
STEPHEN SAWIN
Republican
Age: 58
Home: Kill Devil Hills
Education: Doctorate in chemistry, University of Wisconsin; bachelor's degree, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Occupation: Owner/manager of Anchorage Motel in Kill Devil Hills, real estate broker, former chemistry teacher at North Carolina State University and Manteo High School.
Membership: St. Andrew's by the Sea Episcopal Church, church volunteer, Sunday school teacher.
Family: Wife, Karen. Three children, four grandchildren.
A 25-year resident of Kill Devil Hills, Steve Sawin said he was inspired to run for office because he was outraged that Bobby Owens, his representative on the county commission, did not live in the district. He also wants to expand citizen involvement in politics and make members of both parties feel welcome.
``There is a certain dampening of participation that is caused by government itself,'' Sawin said. ``If you go to any county government parking lot, you will see bumper stickers for Democrats, none for Republicans. Nine times out of 10, they don't want to be identified as the opposition''
Charging that Democrat county leaders regularly make deals behind closed doors, Sawin promised he would eliminate secret decision-making and would keep the public abreast on county business.
He also wants to find ways for residents to make a decent living year-round.
``We need to find other opportunities for people to earn a living besides building,'' he said. ``We need to find some other industry. Now, how to do that when land costs so much? . . . We still have got a lot of work to do.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: PROFILE CANDIDATE ELECTION by CNB