THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 14, 1995 TAG: 9509130147
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
Be ethical about where political signs are placed
With all the talk about political signs, sheriff's candidate Shelton Spivey has them all beat. His signs are colorful and patriotic. I only wish the present sheriff would stop placing his signs in front of and all around other candidates' signs.
The sheriff must really be worried since he's had his uniformed deputies putting out signs continuously since January. Most is not always best.
One Smithfield citizen even complained that his sheriff's sign had been stolen. Maybe our Public Works director thought it was trash to be picked up.
Harry D. Young
Lovers Lane
Windsor
Thanks to fair volunteers
On behalf of the 1995 Franklin-Southampton County Fair and its Board of Directors, I would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's fair a success.
Although we have a year-round working board, we could not make the fair happen without the hundreds of volunteers we have working with us. I would not want to begin naming groups or individuals because I would surely leave someone out.
With the threat of Felix headed our way, it would have been hard to close down what so many had worked so long and hard for. The support and loyalty of our followers was very evident as the Southampton Academy gym became hot and crowded on Wednesday night for our Queen's Contest.
As fair president, I had many anxious moments the week of the fair. Thank you to those who offered words of encouragement and support, whether it was money, goods, services, time or just being there to enjoy the fun.
As the dust settles and we begin to make plans for next year's fair, it's good to hear your comments of excitement and praise over this year's event. We're glad to know that we're doing something right and you had a good time.
We look forward to seeing you in 1996.
Barbette McD. Porter
Courtland Bicycling for votes
In reference to the Aug. 16 letter praising the bicycle deputies, what a joke. Isle of Wight is not an urban area such as Virginia Beach, Norfolk or Portsmouth.
What good are deputies on bicycles going to do Isle of Wight County as a whole when most of us live in rural areas? The sheriff doesn't even have primary law enforcement powers in the Town of Smithfield and should not be actively patrolling the town. This manpower should be used in the rural county where his duties are.
Three thousand dollars for three bicycles is a waste of taxpayers' money and it is apparent the bicycle deputies are just trying to get votes. I am glad to see we finally have a candidate like Shelton Spivey, with the education and experience to manage the Sheriff's Department efficiently.
Maurice Rhodes
Walters Highway
Carrsville Say yes to changes
The Isle of Wight/Smithfield/Windsor Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently with our local governments and our elected representatives for the past four years to seek progress in the area of extended area calling.
We believe the rate structure proposal presented in June by GTE has merit and is reasonable to both the community and GTE. The State Corporation Commission has scheduled a public hearing in Richmond on Nov. 28 to address the change.
The chamber asks that you vigorously support these improvements in order to not only enjoy the access to our neighbors, but to become more competitive in our business and industrial development efforts. We would appreciate having your views. Please write an affirmative letter to the State Corporation Commission expressing your support, with a copy to us. Both addresses are provided for your convenience.
William J. Bridge
Clerk, State Corporation Commission
c/o Document Control Center
Richmond, VA 23216
Alan V. Monette
Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor
Chamber of Commerce
Smithfield, VA 23431 by CNB