Evening star., 1951-07-27
School Issue Major
Factor in Loudoun' S
Primary Campaign
By Alex R. Preston
Star Sioff Correspondent

49, NN' ~S''SSfSS''S~"
LEESBURG, Va, July 27.-All
but one of the contests in Loudoun
County's Democratic primary are
involved in a school dispute.
The score to be settled on Aug
uSt 7 is whether voters approve
action taken to borrow money
from the State to build a consoli-
dated high school just outside of
town.
Central figure in the controversy
is E. o. Russell, who has held the
Office of clerk of the court since
1929. Mr.. Russell became involved
when Circuit Judge J. R. H. Alex
ander appointed him tie-breaker
in 1948.
In Virginia, tie-breaker is ap-
pointed when the local board of
supervisors has an even number
of members. He votes only when
the supervisors are deadlocked by
a tie vote. Loudoun County has
six supervisors.
Opposed by Martz.
Mr.. Russell has the backing of
the faction headed by Howard C.
Rogers. which favors a consoli-
dated school. Mr.. Rogers is the
9th Congressional District member
of the State Highway Commission
and former member of the House
of Delegates. AZ
Opposing Mr.. Russell for renom-
ination is Joseph H. Martz of
Round Hill, who left his job in the
county treasurer's Office to make
the race. Mr.. Martz is backed by
an older, more conservative ele-
ment within the party, whose lead
er is H. c. Thompson, a member
OF the Board of Supervisors from
Round Hill.
Mr.. Thompson, who is opposed
for denomination from jefferson
district, has been defeated twice
for the House of Delegates by Mr..
Rogers, and he lost the State Sem
ate nomination eight years ago to
Robert Y. Button of Culpeper.
Opposing Mr.. Thompson now is
Mrs. Lucille L, Presgraves of
Webbs Corner, who is making an
active drive.
The only contested Office not in
volved in the school question is
that of sheriff. Three candidates
seek the Office vacated recently by
Sheriff S. P. Alexander, who took
a job in Africa and whose place
was filled by Carroll Hutchinson.
Mr.. Hutchinson does not seek
election to the post. however.
School Sought Since 1947.
A consolidated high school has
been sought by the School Board
since 1947. This is how more
recent developments projected the
issue into the present primary
races:
About a year ago, the super
visorS turned down a School Board
request for a State literary fund
loan of 100000 to supplement
about 100000 expected as State
grant to erect a central high
school.
There was a wide difference of
opinion among residents as to
whether the high school depart
ments in four existing schools
should be abolished so those
schools could be devoted entirely
to elementary classes, as proposed
by School Supt. O. L. limerick.
In general, the older, more con-
servative element favor the pres
ent Setup, while younger citizens
who have small children in schools
think more lower grade classroom
space is needed.
Mr.. limerick says the new high
school, a half-mile outside of
Leesburg on Dry Mill road. is
the best location because town
water and sewer facilities are
available and because the site is
near the center of the county.
High school departments would
be abolished in schools at Aldie,
Leesburgh. Lovettsville and Lin
coin.
Petition Signed.
In Leesburg Magisterial Dis
trict, a petition bearing the names
of nearly 800 residents was pre-
sented to Mr.. Mckinney, urging
him to change his position and
vote for a consolidated school.
Mr.. Russell. the court clerk, who
lives in the district, added his
name to the petition.
Mr.. Russell then cast the tie
breaking vote in favor of the new
school and approving an applica-
ton for the loan.