
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 23, 1994                   TAG: 9404260007
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

HOW ABOUT PUTNEY FOR SENATOR?

AN APRIL 1 news article in this newspaper suggested that Sen. John Warner might commit himself to supporting an independent candidate in the upcoming race for the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Charles Robb (``Warner's announcement has Republicans in a tizzy'' by staff writer Margaret Edds). This was a more significant announcement than the modest notice your scant coverage suggested in light of this fact:

The only current independent politician in Virginia of sufficient stature and experience to warrant serious consideration as a candidate for the U.S. Senate is Lacey Putney, Bedford County's delegate to the Virginia legislature.

Putney is a man of such outstanding character and recognized integrity that it seems almost incredible we had to wait for Warner to call our attention to the logic of Putney's candidacy. Whatever the reason for Warner's refusal to endorse his own party's candidate, the consequence of that heterodoxy has been the awakening of the electorate's awareness: In Putney, we have, indeed, a more than suitable alternative to two tainted candidates currently under consideration.

It's been unkindly alleged that Warner has cut a deal with our former governor, and his intention in proffering his support to an independent candidate stems from a mutual back-scratching arrangement between the two. I find it hard to assign such a base motive to this honorable senator, and we should accept his suggestion to support an independent candidate at face value.

I'm prepared to volunteer my enthusiastic support for Putney for the U.S. Senate. It's my hope that he'll promptly take the necessary steps to file for the office.

JOHN R. BROWN JR. GOODE

Communication in a family is needed

I READ with interest the April 4 commentary by Kathryn B. Haynie, executive director of Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge, entitled ``Parental notification law will endanger young lives.''

Since Planned Parenthood (or is that Planned Unparenthood?) is one of the biggest abortion providers in the United States, perhaps Haynie's concern surrounding the parental-notification law is centered more on business economics than on the emotional and medical needs of pregnant teens - teens who with parental concern and support just may choose not to have an abortion.

In states where parental notification has passed, teen pregnancy and teen abortions have gone down. It's only right that Gov. Allen keep his promise and give parents the opportunity to participate in the important life-and-death decisions their own children will make.

While I agree that communication in families cannot be legislated, the state should not drive a wedge of noncommunication between parents and daughters.

SANDRA N. JACKSON Co-Director, Tri-Area Crisis Pregnancy Center GALAX

Shedding more light on the subject

IN THE fashion pages (March 27 Extra section), the statement was made, ``there are more hours of sunlight from June 21.'' The sixth-grade ICON team at James Madison Middle School has been studying seasonal changes in our science classes. In actuality, days begin to get longer Dec. 21 (first day of winter) while daylight hours begin to lessen on June 21 (first day of summer).

JUSTIN MARLLES SARAH WRIGHT ROANOKE

This letter was signed by 15 other 6th-grade ICON team students from James Madison Middle School.

Sex education isn't working

KATHRYN Haynie's railing against the new parental notification bill on the basis that it endangers teens' lives is laughable (April 4 commentary, ``Parental notification law will endanger young lives''). Isn't it interesting that someone who calls herself pro choice is so against an adolescent having to counsel with her parents or other responsible adults before choosing to end her child's life?

And why is Haynie against a 24-hour waiting period when this decision could affect the teen's physical and mental well-being for the rest of the teen's life? I suppose it's OK to impose a five-day waiting period to purchase a gun, but not allow even 24 hours to save a child's life.

In spite of Planned Parenthood's programs and sex education, teen pregnancies in Roanoke are at an epidemic level. Maybe it's time to get the fox out of the hen house.

DON ASSAID ROANOKE

Whatever happened to 911-tax money?

THE BEDFORD County Board of Supervisors is busy taking legal action against Sheriff Carl Wells to recoup interest on a payroll fund the supervisors perceive as belonging to them.

I have a question for the supervisors: What's being done with interest on the 911 tax that was mandated in September 1991? Two dollars a month from every Bedford County resident has certainly amassed a great deal of interest by now, and we still have no 911 system in the county. The board needs to account for our money.

NANCY Y. REID MONTVALE

by CNB