
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, May 14, 1990                   TAG: 9005140178
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NICKENS PREFERS TRUTH OVER MONEY, POWER

WITH HIS announcement of opposition to the merger of the county into the city, Harry Nickens has told us that he plans not to run for re-election.

He has opted for truth and candor over money and power. That never is a wise decision for a politician. And he is a wise politician.

Even the publication of his announcement is revealing as to how money and power view it. Would you believe Page B-1, 12 pages after such precedence-taking blockbuster news items as the DeKlerk-Mandela talks and a really scintillating 0.9 percent rise in some statistic?

Just look at this whole merger matter and it is clear as to who and why. City businessmen want to shift their frightening future tax load to county residents. So their wunderkind, the Cave Spring Jaycees, initiated the action in the guise of a public service. That even makes me glad to be an Exhausted Rooster!

There is no good reason for any county voter to vote for consolidation. But that will make no difference on Election Day. It is not the reasoning voters who will carry that day. It will be carried by those who are duped by money and power. Lots of money and power!

\ ALFRED W. POWELL JR.\ SALEM

by CNB