Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 29, 1994 TAG: 9404290091
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-14 EDITORIAL EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
As I was proceeding east on Orange Avenue recently, I observed the operator of a West Virginia-licensed vehicle carelessly throw a still-smoking cigarette butt out his window. As it hit the pavement, it burst into a tiny fireworks display and died, yet the filth of another piece of litter remained on our city street.
As I contemplated the audacity of a visitor to our city and state lacking in social and environmental awareness, a Virginia car pulled up and two of the three occupants almost immediately discarded their cigarette butts onto the street! I'm not sure which of these two demonstrations was more irresponsible, but I do know that it points to an attitude for which all of us eventually pay - the nonchalant abuse of our environment and city resources. One only need look in the gutters of the Orange Avenue median strip to see the refuse of this mentality.
I challenge those who subscribe to this mentality to be responsible smokers. If you feel bashed due to your smoking habit, don't compound it with the wreckless disposal of your butts. Use your own ashtray and don't trash out my world!
C. ANDREW HODGES JR.
TROUTVILLE
Live and let live should be the rule
I'M NOT a smoker; however, my husband is. I don't understand what the big deal is about this no-smoking law (April 9 news article by staff writer Michael Stowe, ``Region's malls to ban smoking''). Smoking is no more dangerous than drinking, sex or driving. What are we going to do next? Ban sex or take all cars off the streets?
Smokers have the same rights as nonsmokers. We're all humans. And let's not forget about farmers who depend on tobacco crops to put food on their tables. For many, that is their only income.
We need to stop thinking only of ourselves and think about how this is going to negatively affect others. Sooner or later it will get to the point that we cannot even walk out the door without it being regulated as bad for our health.
Why don't we all live life to the fullest like the good Lord meant for us to, and leave everybody else alone? We'd all be a whole lot better off and a lot happier, too.
SUELLEN McGINNIS
ROANOKE
Duerk offers innovative ideas
ALTHOUGH many think Roanoke is free of pollution and traffic problems, statistics show we may be heading for trouble. On an average workday, approximately 84,000 vehicles travel on Roanoke city streets; 31,115 drivers live and work in the city; 13,691 cars commute out of the city to work; and 40,200 cars come into the city Monday through Friday.
Those numbers translate into a lot of pollution and periodic backups. We need fresh ideas and common sense to solve problems that exist now and will escalate in the future. Alternative modes of transportation (bus, bicycle, walking, car-pooling, etc.) should be considered and encouraged.
Barbara Duerk has spoken in favor of addressing these problems. She has great ideas for these and other issues facing Roanoke city. She is extremely well-qualified to help lead us, and she's a fresh new voice with innovative ideas. I hope voters will examine her background and talents, and vote for her for City Council.
GREENE LAWSON
ROANOKE
Don't forget gas company takeover
REGARDING Lessie Polk's April 14 letter to the editor, ``White is an asset on City Council'':
William White may be a great city councilman, but let him pay for his praise like all other candidates. God knows where he was when City Council wanted to take over the Roanoke Gas Co. My guess would be he was with the rest of those narrow-minded fools who shouldn't have been elected.
Real citizens better take back their city government and beg Bev Fitzpatrick to be mayor or city manager, rather than settle for backdoor, closed-door meetings.
People in Roanoke better wake up and smell the coffee before it boils away and their house burns down.
PAUL HOLT III
ROANOKE
Edwards will be the best ever
I'M WRITING on behalf of John Edwards, who was appointed to Roanoke City Council to replace Bev Fitzpatrick, and is now running for election to council on May 3.
I know Edwards to be an individual of the highest integrity and someone who genuinely cares about our community. I trust him implicitly and can think of no one I'd rather have representing the best interests of Roanoke.
He is a former U.S. attorney, has been active in many volunteer organizations, and has demonstrated a genuine interest in the Harrison Museum, of which I'm a board member.
I heartily endorse Edwards for City Council and urge all who care about Roanoke's future to do the same. I'm confident that he'll be the best member we've ever had.
LU JEAN BEDARD
ROANOKE
Salem's benefited from status quo
AS CITIZENS of Salem evaluate the three candidates for City Council, I must address the fact that this newspaper has endorsed Garry Lautenschlager (April 25 editorial, ``A new face for Salem council''). Why?
The reason lies in one, and only one, paragraph of the editorial endorsement. Lautenschlager agrees that Salem should bear some responsibility for ``the region's poverty burden'' (i.e., Roanoke city). This editorial staff would endorse anyone who agreed with that.
The fact is that Salem City Council has a primary responsibility to Salem's citizens - a responsibility that Mac Green and Sonny Tarpley have taken seriously, and delivered on.
Anyone who thinks Salem has no vision for regional interests, ask any Roanoke elected official how Salem handled its obligation to the regional airport.
Change is good when change is needed. Consider mine a vote for the status quo.
BRUCE THOMASSON
SALEM
Duerk's election will make city proud
BARBARA Duerk is a fine candidate for Roanoke City Council. She's a strong advocate for the city and surrounding environment. Having worked with her in the YWCA and Appalachian Trail Club, among other organizations, we know her to be a tireless advocate for issues in which she believes.
Duerk's dealt with a diversity of concerns aimed at strengthening the family and ultimately our city - scouting, protecting our greenways, particularly regarding hiking and biking areas, the Neighborhood Partnership program, and the advancement of women's issues and racial harmony.
Her theme, ``Roanoke Proud,'' fits her to a T. Duerk is proud to call Roanoke her home, and as a City Council official she will strive to keep Roanoke a community in which we can all be proud to live and work as we progress into the 21st century.
JIMMY and KELLY M. WHITNEY
ROANOKE
Parrott shows quiet leadership
CITY voters should support Jack Parrott for election to Roanoke City Council.
A key element of Roanoke's future prosperity will be the valley governments' ability to work together. Parrott has demonstrated his commitment to regional cooperation through leadership of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, which operates the new Regional Landfill.
As the authority's chairman, he has successfully managed the practical, financial and political aspects of establishing a landmark achievement in regional cooperation.
Parrott is a person of demonstrated business and public expertise, proven dedication to public service, and has quiet leadership skills that will be most effective in serving Roanoke's citizens.
GREGORY J. HALEY
ROANOKE
by CNB