Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 24, 1993 TAG: 9306240237
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ray Reed
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Elwood Gallimore says he took a second wife "in the eyes of God." The IRS doesn't see it that way.
Claiming a spouse on a tax return must be based on local or state law, and in Virginia a person cannot claim a second spouse, said Mike Roscoe of the IRS.
The state's answer almost sounded like an echo: "Our tax policy office said we wouldn't recognize more than one spouse," said Janet Freisner of the state Department of Taxation.
The tax people don't laugh at questions like these, even if some of us find humor in them.
By way of background, Gallimore is the contractor/preacher who was on trial recently in Floyd County. In spite of his claiming a 16-year-old girl as his second wife, while still being married to his first, the prosecutor couldn't find a law on which he could be convicted.
Panhandlers with signs
Q: My husband and I, and several other people, have seen guys with signs saying "Will work for food." Are these guys legitimate? Is it safe to let them come to my home for food or to do work? T.W., Roanoke
A: Are they legitimate? Not usually.
Is it safe to let them come to your home? No.
And money given outright usually goes for alcohol, or other drugs. A very low percentage of it goes for food.
Those answers are from people who run homeless shelters in Roanoke out of the compassion in their hearts. People at the shelters know most of the guys with the "will work for food" signs.
Anyone who needs food can get a meal at half a dozen shelters.
If your conscience, or guilt, urges you to do something, get these people a hot dog and drink from the nearest store. You could offer them some work; chances are they'll turn it down.
Jerry Clevinger at the Samaritan Inn says a "will work for food" sign at a good spot can net its holder up to $100 a day.
Lois Bettis at the Rescue Mission said one such spot is Elm Avenue and Interstate 581, where motorists at traffic lights are easy to approach. She saw a woman in a car ahead of her terrified when a man came toward her vehicle recently.
Anyone with a strong urge to help can pitch in at these shelters, or similar ones. Volunteer hands are always needed.
Dam won't stop floods
Q: When the Spring Hollow Reservoir is completed, will it help with the flooding in Salem? F.D., Salem
A: Sorry, but no.
The reservoir is not being built across the Roanoke River. It's in a hollow off to the side, and water will be pumped from the river into the reservoir. The pumps won't be fast enough to make much difference in a flood.
The reservoir may help a little, but it never was intended for flood control, said Anne Marie Green, Roanoke County's public information officer.
Got a question about something that might affect other people too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB