Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 12, 1994 TAG: 9401130015
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Although the Euro-Disney theme park in France failed, the Walt Disney Co. wants to build a similar facility near Manassas. It wants Virginia taxpayers to provide millions for improvements the company wants.
Why taxpayers need to provide funding so an asset-rich commercial business can start a project is a mystery. Often the come-on is that it will create jobs. Anyone who can get millions in taxpayers' money can easily create jobs.
It's hoped that our state legislators will deny Disney's request, especially if our tax resources are as short as some say. Disney's request, in view of the failure of its European theme park, raises questions about the potential success of the Manassas-Disney project. Why should Virginia taxpayers be expected to contribute toward the recovery of the company's losses when its assets are more than adequate to pay its own way?
WILLIAM N. GILES
TROUTVILLE
Bickering doesn't help SPCA image
HERE WE go again with the Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and their holier-than-thou attitude!
I've been a member of the SPCA for years, because I love animals and I support many of the SPCA programs. My first memory of what it did was many years ago in elementary school, through my friendship with the daughter of Lottie Davis. Ms. Davis, who is now deceased, was very active throughout her entire life with the SPCA. I don't think she'd be pleased to see what this organization has become.
I'm also a member of the League for Animal Protection. When we first organized, it wasn't to go nose-to-nose against the SPCA and it still isn't. We felt that we could do things the SPCA didn't do, like rescuing abused and abandoned animals, taking them to our veterinarian, nursing them back to health and then finding them good homes. We certainly don't have the budget they do. Many of our members have taken money from their own pockets to pay veterinarian bills. Now it seems we've become a threat to them. Why can't people work together for a common cause, instead of having this constant bickering that keeps coming to a head?
Now the SPCA has seen fit to demote probably the best director it's ever had! I've known Tammy Javier for years and have always had a very high opinion of her. Was she demoted because she has friends in LAP, or because she went, on her personal time, to protest the so-called preserve in Alleghany County? For whatever reason, it's unjustified. She's an excellent spokeswoman and presents an excellent image for the SPCA.
I don't have the solution to this recurring problem, but the constant bickering and name-calling doesn't send a very positive or professional message to the public. I'm not sure replacing all the officers and directors would resolve this problem, but something should be done. Starting with a clean slate just may be the answer.
MAGGIE DREWRY
ROANOKE
Jerry Kilgore is no neophyte
PERHAPS therapy is in order for Roanoke Times & World-News Richmond Bureau Chief Dale Eisman who can't cope with the fact that his candidate lost the governor's race (``Reagan is reborn in Richmond,'' Dec. 27 news article). So now he rails against Gov. Allen's cabinet choices, particularly Jerry Kilgore, the next secretary of public safety. Eisman fears that Kilgore lacks experience, being from ``crime-free'' Scott County.
Well, Eisman, you're in luck. The doctor is in. Make yourself comfortable on the couch.
Your fears are groundless. Kilgore will do well. Before working as Scott County prosecutor, he was a federal prosecutor in Roanoke and then ran the U.S. attorney's office in Abingdon. He's prosecuted almost every imaginable crime from murder to drug trafficking, including the breaking of several large drug rings. By the way, Eisman, Wilder's secretary of public safety was a tax attorney prior to his appointment, having no law-enforcement experience at all. Did you rail against him or any other questionable Wilder appointment? Of course not.
Now, don't you feel much better?
SAMUEL J. WALLIN
ROANOKE
If he can't stand the heat ...
REGARDING the Jan. 5 letter to the editor by Ann-Leslie Graham, ``Show respect for presidency'':
She's of the opinion that the current criticism of President Clinton is disrespectful of the office and an embarrassment to her because other countries will think less of us. She suggests that the allegations concerning inappropriate conduct should be set aside, since they were not brought forward prior to the presidential election.
A good deal of the information regarding these allegations was available prior to the election, but was to be found only in primarily conservative publications and was blatantly ignored by a biased news media.
If there's little or no truth to these allegations, then Clinton could prove himself to be one of the greatest presidents by coming forward in a forthright manner with information necessary to refute his critics. I doubt seriously this will happen, because it's obvious that the White House staff spends more time on damage control and cover-up than the orderly administration of the nation's business.
I'd like for Ms. Graham to know that it's an embarrassment to me to find a person of this stature as my representative of this great country to the world. I view the current administration as inept and unqualified, and this opinion is reinforced daily by the actions of Clinton appointees.
Yes, character, integrity, moral fiber and the courage to stand behind them are the qualities admired and respected around the world. If Clinton and members of his administration cannot stand the intense scrutiny required of this prestigious position, then let them stand aside for those who can, and the sooner the better.
EDWARD G. O'CONNOR
ROANOKE
by CNB