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

DATE: SATURDAY, May 29, 1993                   TAG: 9306010203
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

A PASSING STRANGE WAY TO BOOST CITY

THANKS TO Roanoke Times & World-News' columnist Jack Bogaczyk for his May 14 column ("This bikers' convention should have been in Roanoke") concerning the Tour DuPont and lack thereof in the Roanoke Valley. Thank you for bringing to light a shining example of the shortsightedness and apparent complacency of some city officials, who should be on the cutting edge of things that benefit the city.

I've been stewing about this decision since February and had decided to write a letter to the editor to ask Martha Mackey, director of the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, why this sporting event of worldwide proportions was not worthy of the Star City.

Instead, my letter is one of support to Bogaczyk. Sir, you hit the nail on the head. You conveyed my thoughts and the feelings of many citizens perfectly.

When Roanoke officials seem so concerned about tourism dollars and bringing people and fame to the city, it seems inconceivable, yes, reprehensible for them to let an event like this pass us by. The fact that our neighbors who hosted it are laughing at us doesn't bother me as much as the boneheadedness of the decision to blow it off. To quote my teen-age neighbor, "Duh!"

We all need to work together to make Roanoke attractive to tourism, new business and to our young people. The latter two are slipping by and out faster than you realize. Let's make this beautiful city a city of note in the '90s.

Thanks, also, to Councilman "Mac" McCadden for his undying support of sports and events that can spur growth in the city if everyone would get behind them. You are truly a mover and a shaker! JOE GREENE ROANOKE

by CNB