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

DATE: SATURDAY, June 12, 1993                   TAG: 9306150364
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ED KOHINKE, CATAWBA'S CHAMELEON

PEACEFUL Catawba Valley has a Rodney Dangerfield character named Ed Kohinke as representative on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. He is famous for flip-flopping on issues, and now trumpets a lack of respect because his actions have been questioned.

To top off the constant state of turmoil he has created by changing positions frequently, now he is leveling attacks at several business leaders in the Roanoke Valley. For example, armed with his fax machine, Kohinke sent scathing memos implying favoritism by the county and state officials in dealings with Steve McGraw, clerk of court.

Woooo . . . Mr. Ed! Let's not confuse "fax" with "facts." At a time when the valley needs most to attract new industry, this type of innuendo is not exactly a drawing card. It's OK to request accountability, but questioning a person's integrity in a manner such as this only reduces your credibility.

McGraw should not be involved in any real-estate dealings while serving as clerk of court. This does not mean, however, that he should be subjected to direct attacks without proper information having been obtained.

Let's review some of the ruckus that Kohinke has stirred. He verbally opposed allowing high-voltage power lines through Catawba, and then voted his support. He has changed his position on the Explore Park project several times. What about his flip-flopping on Spring Hollow? And the list goes on.

His latest stance on whether a Virginia Department of Transportation training center should be allowed in Catawba is another source of confusion and growing concern. Instead of providing information and communication with residents of the area, he implies that VDOT will be more likely to improve road conditions in the Catawba area if the center is approved. I doubt this line of thinking has any validity. Let's hope not!

Catawba District residents have a right to expect their voices to be heard and interests protected. Jumping from one side of the fence to the other and engaging in "rumor-mongering' are not conducive to this process.

Something is going wrong between Kohinke's thoughts and actions. What if I said:

"I will vote for you next election. Then again, maybe I won't."

"Maybe I should give you another chance. No, I guess not."

"Well, I might reconsider, but then again . . . I might not." DIANNE VAUGHT CATAWBA

by CNB