Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 3, 1994 TAG: 9404040165
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
I know that my father, mother, two sisters and I were taught by Misses Mae and Florence. They taught two generations of Spences and Abshers, uncles, aunts and numerous first cousins from both sides of the family.
Miss Mae and Miss Florence Elementary School sounds good to me.
Gary Spence
Christiansburg
Parents excluded in redistricting
It has been a little over a month now since my family was thrust into the redistricting of the Blacksburg elementary schools. While we knew changes were necessary, because of the addition of a new elementary school, we felt assured that we would be a part of this change and part of the decision facing all Blacksburg parents.
Instead, parents were excluded. There hasn't been a day since Feb. 3, when we were first made aware of decisions, that I have not thought or talked about the new school lines to someone.
In conversation with people in the media, the remark I hear repeatedly is "it must have been acceptable to everyone in Blacksburg, because we never heard any objection over the school lines changing. We thought we would be bombarded by unhappy parents, but we weren't." I don't believe this is true.
My own personal survey has been more along the lines, "it's a done deal, we can't change it." I honestly feel parents were in shock, parents were in disbelief, parents felt helpless because they never were given control of the situation to where their input made any difference. With limited notice and little information, parents were unable to organize fast enough to alter the seemingly rushed School Board vote of March 1.
While I may not be able to change what I strongly disagree with, the proposed new attendance lines, I believe we still have a voice and we should be heard. I challenge the parents of Blacksburg to take 10 minutes and write a letter or make a phone call to the editor of the New River Current stating your feelings about the new school zones for fall of 1994, as well as your feelings about whether or not you think the School Board handled the entire attendance lines issue in a fair and informative manner. The paper said we must be in favor of the issue by virtue of being silent. I disagree. I think there are parents who have opinions, but feel the issue is dead, so why bother? I think by simply making your opinion heard, we will see there is a lot more here than silent acceptance.
Jennifer Tu Lofflin
Blacksburg
Reader supports Tom Starnes
I am writing in support of Thomas Starnes for re-election as mayor of Radford on May 3.
During his years in office, he has demonstrated that he has the character and the ability to lead our city government and to treat people with understanding and respect.
His every move is motivated only by his desire to do what is best for our city. The record clearly indicates that he is doing an outstanding job.
I urge all of the citizens of Radford to join me in voting for Starnes.
Viola Ratcliffe
Radford
More support for Starnes
For approximately the past 20 years, Tom Starnes has provided outstanding leadership as both a member of City Council and as mayor of Radford. His leadership has enabled our city to maintain financial stability and to meet the needs of our citizens in an excellent manner.
Many things describe Tom Starnes and his record. Among them are his dedicated service, his unquestioned honesty, his high ethical standards and his sound judgment. He has always placed the welfare of the city above political expediency. In the days and years ahead, the city of Radford needs him at the helm. He is a candidate of high principle - fellow citizens. let us re-elect Tom Starnes.
James Rutrough
Radford
Balanced budget law needed
Our U.S. senators are currently considering the balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Virginia Sens. Charles Robb and John Warner have both indicated their support. In fact, Warner is a co-sponsor.
If the states cannot provide the necessary three-fourths ratification, the amendment will die the natural death of many such proposals. Amendments, once ratified, can be both modified and/ or repealed when necessary. The founders of our country provided that we may adjust our Constitution in keeping with the needs of the country.
The prospect of a balanced budget may be abhorrent to the pork-barrel spenders in Congress. They should remember, however, that 71 percent of the people favored a balanced budget amendment, according to a poll by the Gordon S. Black Corp. last year.
Senate defeat of the proposed amendment would deny both the House, which is favorable toward passage, and the people of the 50 states, the opportunity to voice their opinions.
Defeat by the Senate at this stage is a denial of every citizen's right to meaningful participation in how our government is to perform. Passage of the balanced budget amendment might just promote ``a more perfect union.'' We should call our senators at (202) 224-3121.
Bill and Mary Clare Wohlford
Wytheville
by CNB