Saturday, September 05, 2009
Campaign notebook: Peters joins Roanoke County School Board race
Related
roanoke.com/politics
One panting beagle and about 30 people gathered in the shade of the Vinton War Memorial on Friday afternoon when Jason Peters officially announced his candidacy for the Roanoke County School Board.
Peters is challenging Russell Wise and incumbent Mike Stovall for the Vinton District seat. Stovall has held the position since 1995.
Mike Altizer, chairman of the county's board of supervisors, stopped short of formally endorsing Peters on Friday, but said: "He is a longtime friend."
Peters and his wife, Candye Ann Peters, are raising seven children, five from her previous marriage. The children range in age from 8 months to 21 years. Of the school-age children, Anastasia Hughes, 18, attends William Byrd High School, and Haniya Hughes, 14; Noelani Hughes, 12; and Nicholas Peters, 11, are students at Mineral Springs Christian School, a private school for preschool to eighth grade in Vinton.
"I have a vested interest for the next 18 years in what happens in these schools," Jason Peters said.
He is a financial services representative at First Citizens Bank, and he said he decided to run because change is needed. He cited the recent decision to close the Ronald E. Cook Alternative School, which drew opposition from parents at Cave Spring High School in Southwest Roanoke County where the program is planning to relocate, and delays in renovating Mount Pleasant Elementary School.
"I feel like there are issues that haven't been handled properly," he said.
