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

DATE: MONDAY, May 3, 1993                   TAG: 9305030284
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ROANOKE'S FALLING STAR

SOUTHWEST Virginia seems to be the forgotten corner of the Old Dominion. Political myopia - nearsightedness - is the prime failing of the Richmond-based state government. Most of us west of the Blue Ridge are far closer to two other state capitals than our own. That, seemingly, makes us only a source of tax revenue, not citizens.

Although we have elected delegates to the General Assembly, this, considering the caliber of the incumbents, is hardly an asset. That is why I had hoped the Roanoke Valley would accept its evident destiny as a political power in Southwest Virginia.

Such can never be the case in my lifetime. The valley does not have the collective intelligence to overcome its parochialism and splintered governments. Every day the media reveals new examples of the inability of Salem, Vinton, Roanoke and the county to sit down together and simply cooperate on common issues: fire and emergency response, police and judicial reform, flood control, school and educational disparity, industrial retention and development.

I challenge all valley environs to grow up and quit sulking like spoiled brats who don't get their own way. Face the facts of life, set aside selfish interests and enter the 21st century with a determination to control your own destiny. Move the "Star City of the South" toward greater cooperation and representation of the interests of Southwest Virginia.

Do this before the star dims and no longer shines. As far as I'm concerned, it has already gone out.

H. BERNARD LINDSTROM\ SUGAR GROVE

by CNB