Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 17, 1994 TAG: 9404180111
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
We already have three major interstates through Virginia: Interstates 81, 77 and 64. WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. Our politicians and business leaders would spend billions of dollars - taxpayer dollars - to create "economic development" for their respective areas. They couldn't care less about upkeep and maintenance, annually running into more millions of taxpayer dollars.
We don't need a government official knocking on our doors, telling us, "In the name of progress and economic development, your home and property have been condemned so we can build a highway through it." We already know what economic development has done for places like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Not to mention Washington, D.C.
If we need an interstate highway, use the existing I-77 corridor. Just think, we might save some money. I ask again: "Who's the boss here?"
Lew Gardner
Narrows
AAUW supports female athletes
Twelve female athletes at Virginia Tech filed a class-action suit against the university for discrimination by denying female sports clubs varsity status.
Board members of the Lynchburg Chapter of the American Association of University Women, a national organization that promotes equity for women, education and self-development, would like to support the efforts of the women athletes at Virginia Tech and other institutions as they seek equitable treatment. At the same time, we applaud the work done by the university to remedy the current situation and to create a situation in which both men and women have equal access to the full benefits of the athletic program at Virginia Tech.
Gail Morrison, gender equity chairwoman, American Association of University Women
Lynchburg
Malls made right decision
We applaud the joint decision of the region's four largest shopping malls to ban smoking in all common areas effective June 1, 1994. As new residents of Blacksburg, we were dismayed to discover that no such ban existed at the New River Valley Mall. Charlottesville's Fashion Square Mall has been smoke-free since 1989, and we would continually hear favorable comments from family members and friends who visited us from outside the area. The ban appeared to have no negative impact whatsoever on customer volume and certainly made for a far more pleasant shopping experience. Our few trips to the New River Valley Mall have frankly been limited to one or two specific stops and any browsing has been kept to a minimum. We look forward in a few weeks to shopping in a more leisurely fashion and, yes, purchasing more items to help support the local economy.
Jane and Tim Brown
Blacksburg
Starnes makes voter proud
I am writing in support of Tom Starnes for re-election as mayor of Radford. I have gotten to know him as a friend and as a dedicated Christian who lives his faith in all areas of his life - personal, professional and political.
He has made us all proud of his dedication to his office and of the character he has demonstrated in leading our city. We need to return him to office, and I ask all of you who are interested in the best interests of our city to join with me in supporting Tom Starnes for mayor on May 3.
Sharon Ross
Radford
Yerrick has what it takes
I write this letter in support of Bill Yerrick's candidacy for a seat on Radford City Council.
I have known Bill Yerrick for many years and have found him to be a dependable, capable, hard-working person on any project with which he chooses to align himself.
Bill has served in many capacities in his role as a viable citizen of our city. He is interested in seeing us grow, and develop every potential, of which in his opinion, there are many. He wants to be a working part of that onward development.
His experience as a leader in his church, in various organizations, and on local committees has equipped Bill for an important role of leadership in Radford.
A city council man needs to be dedicated to his mission, experienced in business and financial matters, and, above all, needs to have vision for the future of Radford.
Bill Yerrick is all of this -- and more.
Maryanne B. Stump
Radford
Worrell trustworthy, honest, efficient
I would like to share some pertinent facts about David Worrell, a candidate for mayor of Radford.
First of all, he is one of the finest men I have ever known. I was associated with him at the Radford Arsenal for several years when he was a supervisor.
I have known him for more than 30 years and I know he can be trusted. He is honest and very efficient in everything he does. He has shown great leadership in the City Council for years. He is a believer in doing his job and doing it right. I don't know of anyone who would be better qualified for the job as mayor .
David is especially adept at expediting work and seeing it's done right. If you are interested in good government and seeing that everyone is treated fairly, get out and help elect him as mayor.
G.P. Hatcher
Radford
School redistricting wasn't democratic
I would like to respond to a letter to the editor last Sunday challenging Blacksburg citizens to let it be known how they feel about school redistricting in the Blacksburg area. I would like to comment that the redistricting occurred in clandestine, secret meetings. In no way was it democratic. They took people out of neighborhoods. They're busing our kids to another school farther away than the school they are currently attending. I'm very unhappy, and I want my opinions to be known.
Carol Womble
Blacksburg
Jewish community deplores massacre
It is with deepest sadness that the Jewish community of Blacksburg extends our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Feb. 25 massacre in Hebron. We were horrified and appalled at the bloodshed caused by one madman, affiliated with a fringe element of the Jewish community. That the shootings took place at a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews, and during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Purim, is especially distressing.
We call on the Israeli government to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety and equal treatment of all inhabitants of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Arabs and Jews alike. It is our fervent hope and prayer that the actions and rhetoric of extremists on both sides will not deter the movement toward peace in the Middle East. And we pray that peace and healing come soon to all those touched by this tragedy.
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
Blacksburg Jewish Community Center
Radford needs Starnes as mayor
I applaud Tom Starnes for seeking re-election as mayor of Radford, because Tom's abilities will be needed now more than ever to lead Radford through today's staggering economic climate and demands being placed on communities by the state and national governments.
Tom is an effective planner and organizer. These abilities will be needed if Radford is to meet its immediate and long-range financial requirements. He possesses the ability to develop a team effort to achieve desired goals for the citizens of this community. In addition, Tom is an enthusiastic and confident leader who has the trust and respect of the members of the team he leads.
Today, Radford is one of the best managed communities in the New River Valley. Let us keep Radford in that coveted position by re-electing Mayor Starnes.
Joseph DeHart
Radford
Simulations are component
From the Current article (March 30) on my visual assessment study of Alternate 6 (the smart road), one might infer that I was mainly hired to produce a shocking image for promotional purposes. The simulations are a component of a visual assessment study and cannot be validly understood outside of that context. Visual simulation is a tool to enhance understanding and communication of the form of proposed developments. It is an important addition to the conventional maps and drawings that are used to depict projects.
My clients sought more detailed and illustrative information than had been previously available. Of course, their interest is also in using the study to communicate to the public and decision makers what they feel would be unacceptable visual impacts resulting from the project. Ideally, the most productive use of this technology is as an integral part of the planning process, not as a late assessment of a proposal.
The article noted some controversy over the accuracy of the bridge simulation. The current revision is conservative. It should only be used as a general reference for the size and shape of the bridge, not its potential design.
The focus on this one image and its controversy has drawn attention from the main finding of the study - that the visual experience for the smart road traveler would be of low quality. Many would find this an undesirable characteristic for the main link between the Roanoke and New River valleys. By incorporating aesthetic as well as functional objectives in the planning of such projects, with use of available technology we may better conserve the landscape quality that is our distinctive regional resource.
Micheal L. O'Brien
Blacksburg
by CNB