Cooperation between the town of South Boston and the county and economic development for the struggling region topped the issues as four candidates for South Boston Town Council faced off Saturday morning at the South Boston/Halifax County Museum in a debate that all said touched key issues facing the town.
Four candidates, including incumbents Ed Owens and Tom Raab are vying for three council seats.
Newcomers Eric Roberts and William Ozmec are challenging for a council seat.
Councilman William Wilborn has chosen not to seek re-election.
"It is only those who understand the issues, who understand something of the candidates, and who are willing to listen to all points of view who can make a fair and honest appraisal of where they stand," moderator Kenneth Cranford said to the approximately 30 people in attendance.
Owens, who operates Ed Owens Insurance in Halifax, named economic development, public safety, fiscal responsibility and community pride as key issues.
"It is my opinion that the town and community need to continue to cooperate with the county, and to continue the effort that we've started over the last four years," Owens said in his introduction.
William Ozmec, a political newcomer, is a South Boston police officer who has been a law enforcement officer for over 10 years.
"I'm out in the public, and I hear the concerns of the citizens of South Boston," Ozmec said in his introduction.
He said that he would like to see more flexibility in the town accepting industry.
"I would like to attract more industry to our area by offering tax incentives to businesses locating in the town," Ozmec said.
He added that if elected, he would focus on using technology to open the doors of local businesses to a world market.
"One of my goals is the rapid construction of the E-58 corridor to connect local industry to the global market," the police officer said.
Ozmec said that he would like to see the beautification of South Boston as a Council priority.
"I would like to see the demolition of the abandoned buildings and the planting of ornamental shrubs and bushes in public places," he noted.
"I'm devoted to public service for the residents of the town of South Boston," he said in his opening statement. "I'm both a leader and a worker, and worthy of your support."
Tom Raab, who owns and operates Electric Service Company in downtown South Boston, was elected to town council in 1998, and currently serves on the board of the Halifax Educational Foundation.
"Four years ago I stood before you as an new candidate for town council, and at that time cooperation and consolidation were the keywords of the campaign," he said.
"As far as cooperation goes, the relationship between the town and the county has never been better," Raab added.
He said that he has a proven track record for getting things done for the town.
"We meet with the county every month to discuss joint items on our agenda, and through these meetings we have consolidated our landfill, building officials, and will soon have a consolidated E-911 center.
"I encouraged our council to purchase the building on Hamilton Blvd. that is now the police department," he added.
Raab also noted that he was instrumental in getting the grant that was used for the reparations of the sewer system.
"We could not borrow any more money and put the debt load on the consumer, so I contacted our congressman Virgil Goode, and as many of you are aware, we have received federal money to finish the repairs."
Eric Roberts currently serves on the South Boston Planning Commission and is a vice-president of commercial banking at First Citizen's Bank in Chase City.
"I feel that I'm a good candidate to serve the people of South Boston on town council due to my experience as a planning commissioner and public banker," Roberts said.
"My experience as a commercial banker has provided me with the skills to evaluate a municipality's financial condition and make informed decisions that will benefit the town's financial health and economic growth," he added.
Roberts also said that his service on the planning commission has provided him with the knowledge of the town's comprehensive plan regarding capital improvements, economic development, and parks and recreation.
Conflict Of Interest?
Perhaps the most controversial question in the debate was when the candidates were asked if an employee of the Town of South Boston should be able to serve on its governing body.
Raab, who fielded the question first, said that although many jurisdictions have ordinances against it, South Boston allows it.
"But it can be a conflict of interest," the downtown businessman said.
"There will be times that the individual can't vote on parts or even all of the budget," he added.
Raab also noted that even in other areas that allow it, it hasn't been the best situation.
Roberts also sees a potential conflict of interest.
"I think in practicality it is a conflict of interest because if you aren't allowed to vote on all the issues that come before the council, then your level of effectiveness is diminished," the banker said.
Owens said that he sees a problem coming from the dual roles proposed by electing an employee of the town to council.
"I do have a concern," he said. "It may not be a legal conflict of interest, but there certainly would be a perceived conflict.
"One of my concerns is how many employees of the town would be enough?
"There is the potential of all council members being employees, that's what worries me," Owens said.
Ozmec, who is at the center of the controversy, said that he knows that at times there will be a conflict of interest.
"But every councilman that sits behind that table has at one time or the other had a conflict of interest," Ozmec claimed.
He pointed out councilman Chris Elliott, saying that Elliott is currently doing thousands of dollars worth of business with the town.
"I am the public's eyes and ears, and I can bring information back to the council and express the concerns of the public to the council," he added.
Beautification Of The Town
The candidates were asked if council should take a proactive approach in dealing with the beautification of the town, such as abandoned buildings and overgrowth of weeds in parts of the town.
All of the candidates said that the town should be proactive in dealing with the problem.
"This is not a minor problem," Owens said. "We have got to project the best image we can so that people will want to come here and bring their business here."
"We need to set an example to the outside communities and the public as to where we stand as far as businesses coming to our community," Ozmec said.
Raab said that the council has been proactive on the issue of beautification, but there is more that can be done.
"We need our citizens to tell us their complaints so we can take care of the problem," he said.
Roberts said that the economic development of South Boston is tied to its appearance.
"We are trying to draw large numbers of businesses and industry to the area, and we have dilapidated houses and businesses in the area.
"I think that the council has tried to address the problem, with some success, but more needs to be done," the banker said.
Candidates were also asked whether the residents of South Boston were benefiting from the improved relationship between the town and county.
All of the candidates said that the relationship was healthy for the town, and that now was an important time, with the decision being made to choose a replacement for Industrial Development Authority Director Bill Confroy.
The four candidates all agreed that the current push for downtown revitalization was good for the town, but Owens and Ozmec said that council needed help from the merchants to make it work.
"There is potential for a revitalization of downtown, but we need more participation from the merchants, such as offering more flexible hours to make it convenient for the public to shop," Owens said.
Raab said that the merchants are participating in revitalizing downtown, and added that all of the projects that they have undertaken have utilized grant money.
"We get together every Friday to meet and address any concerns, and we don't ask the town for any money," he said.
Another issue that was addressed at the debate was the status of the town's police force, with all candidates agreeing that the town's police force was working for the citizens.
"We've got the best police force in the region," Ozmec maintained. "We are young and aggressive, with a zero tolerance policy."
Roberts added that "council shouldn't mess with something that is working."
The candidates also addressed the potential of farming out some of the town's services to private corporations.
Raab said that in some respects the contracting of services has worked well.
"We are currently working with a couple of different companies on certain services," he said.
He added that in the future, it may be a good idea to look at the privitization of landfill services.
"If the private sector can do it less expensively for the taxpayers, that saves the taxpayers money," he said.
"We need to look at every situation and evaluate it for what's best for the taxpayers," Raab added.
The other candidates agreed that privitization of town services was an issue that should be looked into if it could save the town money.
"I think we should keep an open mind about it, if it can be done with lower cost to the taxpayer, then we should look into it," Roberts said.
Ozmec was concerned that private corporations may not be as cost-effective as it appeared.
"I also believe in saving the town money, but sometimes going to the outside may not be cost-effective," he said.

South Boston Town Council will continue discussion of the proposed 2002-2003 operating budget at tonight's monthly work session.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. at council chambers on Yancey Street.
The proposed operating budget for 2002-2003 is $15,057,950 and contains no property tax increases, but does contain a five percent hike in water and sewer rates.
The E-911 user fee will increase to $2.50 monthly, the result of consolidation of E-911 services with the county and reflects the new $2.50 fee to fund the operation.
The $1,381,244 increase over the current year budget is due to $1,265,320 the town will receive from the state for The Prizery ISTEA/TEA-21 Grant.
The proposed budget also calls for $1,554,295 in prior year General Fund monies to be used to retire a $1.5 million bond anticipation note taken out in April 2001 to accomplish state-mandated sewer rehabilitation work.
Council is scheduled to review budget allocations for three departments tonight, including Planning and Zoning, Public Works and Recreation and Administration.
A public hearing on the proposed 2002-2003 operating budget is scheduled for May 13.
Also on the Finance Committee agenda is Town Finance Officer Vandie Saunders' monthly financial statement.
Discussion of the town's updated 2002-2022 Comprehensive Plan and 2020 Transportation Plan highlights the Current Issues Committee agenda.
Both items are set for public hearings during council's May 13 meeting.
In final business, council will consider appointments due on some of the town's boards and commissions and receive a town manager's update.

Papparazzi befitting a Hollywood premier greeted Halifax County High School juniors and seniors as they traded in their t-shirts and jeans for tuxedos and evening gowns Saturday night for the annual Junior/Senior Prom.
The theme of the prom, "Underneath the Stars," was fitting as the lobby of the high school was transformed into a wonderland of glitz and glamor for the event.
Students arrived in limousines- even a fire truck- and were greeted by hundreds of onlookers and well-wishers.
As they made their way up the walkway to the entrance of the school, the comments mirrored an academy awards opening.
"Isn't she beautiful?"
"He looks so handsome."
"They look like movie stars."
"I can't wait for my prom," said one young lady as she looked at the evening gowns with magic in her eyes.
It was a night many will never forget, especially Anthony "Bird" Owen and Erica Owens, who were named Prom King and Queen, or Alonzo Coleman and Chomonique Harris, Prince and Princess.

Kelvin Davis must be good at putting puzzles together.
With injuries to players in key spots, Davis shuffled and pieced together a lineup with which to face archrival GW Friday night in Danville.
Despite the changes, the Comets came very close to handing GW its first defeat of the season.
The Comets broke a tense six-inning scoreless deadlock when a triple from designated hitter Dwight Greene in the top of the seventh inning plated Jonathan Milam to put the Comets up 1-0 and within three outs of a victory over the Western Valley District leader.
But GW took advantage of two hits and a Comets error in the bottom of the final inning, including a game-winning single by Donny Price, to pull off a come-from-behind 2-1 win.
"We played a heck of a ball game," said Comets coach Kelvin Davis.
"I thought our team played well. My guys showed a lot of class. They showed a lot of heart. It was a typical Halifax-GW game. We just didn't get the hits we needed to manufacture runs early. But that happens.
"Both teams played a good ball game," added Davis.
" They were just fortunate enough to get key hits at the right time. As I understand it, they've been doing that all year. It was a great high school baseball game."
GW coach Scooter Dunn agreed.
"I told my guys (after the game) to just look at the scoreboard," said Dunn.
"That should never be forgotten. I'm not talking about the win-loss. You look at all of those zeros. That is something you don't see in baseball very often. It's very special. It should be special to them (our guys), it should be special to Halifax, it should be special to the fans, it should be special to the press, it should be special to everyone that was part of this game."
The win gave GW (12-0 overall, 6-0 in the district) a two-game lead over its nearest challenger in the district standings.
Halifax County, 6-3 overall and 2-2 in Western Valley District play, fell two games behind GW in the district race.
"I'm not cashing in my marbles yet," Davis said of his team's chances of winning the district title.
"My guys are improving every day. I feel like we can get into the (district) tournament and do some things. I'm not going to count my guys out."
The Comets, with new faces in key spots, did a yeoman's job.
With expected starting shortstop Matt Clay out of the lineup all season with a knee injury, sophomore hurler Jason Lloyd has occupied that position.
Last Wednesday, starting second baseman Chad Conner went down with a knee injury that will have him out of action for an indefinite period.
Chase Hetzell, who had been used a relief hurler and outfielder, is struggling with pain in the elbow of his throwing arm and, according to Davis, is at only about 85 percent strength.
With that and the pitching matchup he wanted to create in consideration, Davis put together a new lineup.
Davis chose to start Lloyd on the mound instead Justin King and brought up shortstop Robert Carter from the jayvee team to fill Lloyd's spot.
"I felt that GW had faced King a lot during the off-season in Post (8) ball and I wanted to show them another face," Davis said.
Reserve Jody Nelson went to second base and Hetzell played right field.
Greene, who has seen only spotty action, was put into the lineup as the designated hitter for Nelson.
And everyone came through.
Green laced a triple to right centerfield in the top of the seventh inning to plate Milam to give the Comets a 1-0 lead.
Jonathan Barbour had singled earlier in the inning with one out and was forced out at second base when Milam hit into a fielder's choice.
That left Milam on first base with two out when Green stepped up and drove him home with the triple.
Lloyd, who has been used a closer in relief, gave Davis a sterling performance on the mound.
Only three GW baserunners got on the basepaths against Lloyd through the first innings.
For the game, Lloyd held GW to five hits, two of which came in the bottom of the seventh inning, fanned four batters and did not allow a walk.
His numbers pretty much mirrored GW hurler B.J. Durham (6-0) who gave up four hits, walked one batter and fanned six Comets batters.
"Jason threw a very good game," Davis said.
"He did what I wanted him to do out there tonight."
"I hadn't seen him pitch," Dunn said of Lloyd.
"I've seen enough of him tonight. He threw a great ball game."
Carter, in his varsity debut at shortstop, put the ball in play with the bat and came up with several good plays including a big play in the sixth inning that prevented a score.
With a runner at third base, GW's Eric McGuire sent a big hard chopper toward the hole.
"I thought we had a run right there," Dunn said.
"I said he'll never make the play up the middle like that."
But Carter grabbed it and made the throw to Casey Owen at first base in time to get the out, end the inning and prevent the run from scoring.
"He (Carter) was off-balance and one-footed and threw a seed to first base and got him by a step," Dunn said.
"I said 'man, it can't happen.' But it did."
GW tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when Josh Cassell beat out a bunt to first base.
But when Lloyd made a bad throw on his attempt to nail Cassell, Seth Payne, who led off the inning with a double, headed for the plate.
The Comets' Jody Nelson had the play backed up and hurled the ball to Barbour at the plate. However, Payne slid under Barbour's tag to tie the game at 1-1.
"The ball hugged the (foul) line all the way down and Lloyd had to make a throw," Davis said.
"It was going to be a bang-bang play. The runner (Cassell) did a heckuva job as far as blinding the first baseman (Owen) and it worked to their favor on that play."
Davis said he felt like Barbour nailed Cassell at the plate.
"I thought we got him in time but, it's a judgment call," Davis said.
"The ump said he (Payne) got in under him (Barbour). There was no need in me standing up there and keep arguing about it."
Cassell went to second base on the throw to the plate and stole third base. The hit by Price plated Cassell for the winning run and GW escaped with the win.
Dunn praised Davis for the job he and the Comets did on this night.
"K.D. pieced a team together tonight," said Dunn.
"My hat is off to that guy. I've known him since he was a kid. What a job he did to put that team back together again after the injuries this week. It was a fantastic job."

Elizabeth Milton Anderson

Mrs. Elizabeth Milton Anderson, of Rabat Road of Nathalie, died April 26 at her home. She was 90 years old at the time of her death.
Mrs. Anderson was born in Halifax County on December 19, 1911, the daughter of John W. Milton and Fannie Whitlow Milton.
She was married to James Gettis Anderson and was a member of the Catawba Baptist Church.
Elizabeth Milton Anderson is survived by one brother, George Milton of Gladys; two daughters, Lois V. Anderson and Lorene A. Francis of Nathalie; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services for Mrs. Elizabeth Milton Anderson were held yesterday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at the Catawba Baptist Church, with the Rev. Michael O'Shea conducting the service.
Burial took place in the church cemetery.
The family asks that those wishing to give memorials, please consider the Catawba Baptist Church or the Childrey Baptist Church building funds.

Randy Thomas Crenshaw

A funeral service for Randy Thomas Crenshaw, 51, of South Boston will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Dan River Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery
The Rev. Dr. Lynn Marstin, the Rev. Paul King, the Rev. Dr. Melvin Bradshaw and the Rev. Mike Osbourne will conduct the service.
Mr. Crenshaw died Saturday at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital.
He was born in Halifax County on October 7, 1950, a son of Herman Rodger Crenshaw and Mrs. Beulah Puryear Crenshaw. He was married to Deborah Thompson Crenshaw.
Mr. Crenshaw was a member and deacon of Dan River Baptist Church, where he was also a youth leader.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah T. Crenshaw, one daughter, Michelle "Nickie" Crenshaw, and two sons, Michael Wayne Crenshaw and Ryan Thomas Crenshaw, all of South Boston. One grandchild survives.
Mr. Crenshaw is also survived by his mother, Beulah P. Crenshaw of South Boston, and one brother, Rodger Crenshaw, also of South Boston. He was preceded in death by one brother, Robin Jay Crenshaw.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home today from 7:00-8:30 p.m., and at other times at the home, 209 Merritt Street, in South Boston.

Ida Josephine
Davenport Roberts

Funeral services for Mrs. Ida Josephine Davenport Roberts, 77, of Scottsburg will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at St. James Baptist Church, with burial in the Davenport family cemetery.
The Rev. William McCoy will officiate.
Mrs. Roberts, of Lee-Syd-Moore Road in Scottsburg, died Wednesday, April 24, at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York.
She was born in Halifax County on July 9, 1924, a daughter of the late Jacob Davenport and Mrs. Florence Buckner Davenport.
Mrs. Roberts was a member of St James Baptist Church.
She is survived by one daughter, Ms. Lucille V. Winstead, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter.
Mrs. Roberts is also survived by three brothers, Royal Davenport and Edward Davenport of Scottsburg and John Davenport of Philadelphia. Also surviving are six sisters: Mrs. Anna Carter of Scottsburg; Mrs. Rosetta Johnson of Manassas; Mrs. Mary Dixon, Mrs. Dorothy Tyler, Mrs. Edith Sturgis and Ms. Alice Davenport, all of Philadelphia. Other survivors include one brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends at the residence, 1175 Lee-Syd-Moore Road, in Scottsburg.

Kenan Mason Simmons

Kenan Mason Simmons, 26, of Joe Jackson Trail, Halifax, died April 23 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Simmons was born in Washington, DC on March 5, 1976, the son of Thomas Simmons and Sarah Anderson of MD.
Survivors include one daughter, Keira Simmons of MD; his parents; maternal grandparents, Mason Anderson and Evelyn Anderson of Halifax; one sister, Arvise Barnhill of MD.
Funeral services for Mr. Simmons were held April 27 at noon at Dunn & Sons Funeral Services Chapel, Halifax with the Rev. Dr. C. Lewis Motley officiating. Burial followed in Elkhorn Baptist Church Cemetery, Nathalie.