Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 6, 1994 TAG: 9404070288
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
She brought out some extraordinary information about the historical significance of the old Gainsboro neighborhood. This new evidence, expounded upon by archaeologist Mike Barber, prompted me to do some investigating myself, since I'd always heard that Gainsboro was Roanoke's oldest neighborhood.
I found that the Roanoke Times' own Ted Blain, writing in the Times' 1982 publication ``Roanoke 100,'' suggested that the Gainsboro community dates back to 1815. Subsequently, I discovered that other historians date the community back to 1798, but it was chartered as a town in 1834 and then called ``Gainesborough.'' The thriving settlement was, at first, also called ``Big Lick'' and later ``Old Lick.'' Until shortly after the mid-19th century, the town was the most populated in the Roanoke area, boasting a foundry, tavern, store, many churches and a whorehouse.
As a history lover, why has this historic area been virtually ignored? Why has this area not received national historical status, despite the Historic Gainsboro Preservation District's best efforts? Why isn't Roanoke expressing pride in its own rich repository of history, which some would consider a gold mine?
MARY HAMLIN ELLISTON
Robb disregarded the voters' trust
REGARDING Sen. Robb's statement that he engaged in behavior ``not appropriate for a married man'':
His behavior wasn't appropriate for Virginia's governor either, which he was at that time.
He was elected to the job of leading this state, but he obviously found other activities more inviting than his duties as governor. His complete disregard for the trust of the voters who elected him won't be erased so easily from his record or from the memory of voters.
JOYCE D. CURD MONTVALE
Give Clintons the benefit of the doubt
I WATCH with increasing incredulity as our nation responds to manipulations of partisan politics, much as the sheep these wolves hope we are.
I'm talking about Whitewater. Schemers of the lowest form have chosen to make the loosest of comparison between Whitewater and Watergate. Those who watched the Watergate proceedings daily on television know the perpetrated enormity of that crime and understand there's no comparison. Fault Clinton for making unwise financial decisions, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, being too concerned with matters of home and state to make an immediate statement about Whitewater, but don't extrapolate all the above into a cover-up crime.
We play into the hands of those in power who want us to forget how the shoe has fit on the other foot when we accept this comparison. Many Iran-Contra aides were granted immunity and hence exonerated. Why isn't Clinton given the same benefit of the doubt so generously accorded Reagan? Why don't we accept the same ``I didn't know'' answer? Because the ``wrong'' party's in the White House, and everyone's doing all they can to change occupants. Let the president do his job, and let the first lady be the first lady who makes a difference in policy.
For those who cast stones: Have married men never flirted or been unfair extramaritally? Have businesspeople never made a poor financial investment? Wouldn't married women want to use all of their varied talents and have those held in the same regard as their husbands'?
I ask that we choose to turn away from our base motivations toward an integrity of purpose to help even those with whom we disagree, to heal the gaping wounds of our nation.
ROBBIE W. MUSE SALEM
UPS should play fair with axed driver
REGARDING the labor dispute at United Parcel Service:
Until recently, Carl Richardson, the fired driver, delivered frequently to my home (March 8 news article by staff writer Greg Edwards, ``UPS driver: I spoke up, lost my job''). He was courteous, friendly, hard-working and efficient. It appears he'd be the kind of employee any company would be happy to have working for it.
UPS, how about playing fair? Put Richardson back to work!
MARTY PHILPOTT ROANOKE
Credit also due Marye and Shuler
AS A LOCAL business person, I read with interest the March 15 news article by staff writer Stephen Foster, ``New River gets $325,000 shot in arm.'' I know the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance badly needs this funding and, undoubtedly, will put it to good use.
Sen. Bo Trumbo is to be commended for his amendment to the state budget that provided for this allocation. However, I don't agree with the alliance president, Gary Weddle, that Trumbo deserves ``100 percent of the credit.''
When the Senate Finance Committee considered the budget bill and senators from other areas of the state started raiding the alliance's allocation for their own localities, Trumbo wasn't present to defend our interests. Instead, it was Sen. Madison Marye who cried foul and made certain the full amount of funding came to the alliance.
When the budget conference committee was meeting to finalize budgets offered by the Senate and House, it was Del. Jim Shuler who lobbied House members to include funding for the alliance. Without his urging, the House would have neglected the alliance altogether.
Obviously, Weddle doesn't want to give Shuler or Marye any credit for guaranteeing that the $325,000 will make it to the New River Valley. After all, he made it no secret when he announced he wouldn't seek re-election to Radford City Council that he may want to run against Marye next year.
Let's give credit where credit's due.
STEVEN C. COCHRAN CHRISTIANSBURG
Clute will uphold family values
SYLVIA Clute was in Lexington recently to talk about her campaign for the U.S. Senate, and I was able to hear her speak. She's a wholesome, capable person who's always worked for the benefit of people.
She served in the Peace Corps in 1963-64 and met her husband during that time. After graduating from law school, she began her practice in Richmond, specializing in family and child issues. She helped to bring about a proposed Virginia constitutional amendment that will remove the time limit in which a child-abuse victim can bring charges against the perpetrator. In June 1992, the Virginia Supreme Court said that abuse survivors couldn't bring suit after reaching age 20. An amendment to remove this time limit will be on the ballot for ratification by voters in November.
Ms. Clute will continue to uphold these values when she represents us in Washington as a senator from Virginia. Vote for her in the June 14 primary to make sure that she's on the November ballot.
BETTY STEWART LEXINGTON
Making the county safe for nuts
NOW THAT Roanoke County Supervisor Bob Johnson has saved county residents from the cat catastrophe, I hope he'll take the next logical step and regulate rats and squirrels because rats spread disease and squirrels eat nuts.
If squirrels find out about the vast nut supply concentrated on Bernard Drive, our esteemed leaders will most certainly be in great peril!
County residents, next time there's an election, please remember that it becomes our chance to regulate the regulators.
TERRY L. WALKER ROANOKE
Edwards has record of accomplishment
I USUALLY vote the Republican ticket. However, I'm going to vote for John Edwards for Roanoke City Council because he's the best person for the job. I've had the opportunity to work with him on a variety of local civic projects, from United Way campaigns to church-related programs, and I have tremendous respect for his ability and record.
There comes a time when we have to look closely at someone's performance as a part of our evaluation and election process, instead of listening to rhetoric candidates spew in front of the TV camera. Look at Edwards' record. I did, and found that he has an impressive background, ranging from his military service to work experience.
Each City Council member will find himself/herself dealing with unfamiliar issues more often than not. Narrowly focused agendas of accomplishment won't serve us in the long run. We need experience. Edwards gets my vote.
GEOFFREY W. WHITTAKER ROANOKE
by CNB