Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 4, 1994 TAG: 9405050003
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Yes, the view from numerous illegal dumps along this road will impress our visitors and a TV audience eager to see the Blue Ridge Mountains' beauty and splendor. Wait until they see Builders Bluff, an overlook filled with the finest discarded scraps of wood, metal and plastics. Don't forget Auto Parts Alley, where one can find tires, hoods and even an oil tank or two. The ride wouldn't be complete without a stop at Major Appliance Rest - washing machines, couches and the like are available for weary travelers.
Road crews are busy clearing trees along this dismal collection of dump sites. I assume this will give ESPN or whomever a better view of the handiwork of the valley's lowlifes. My concern is the image that we'll project, not only to those participating in this event, but also to those tuning in from their homes.
Several years ago, the county closed the landfill (to the community) at the foot of the mountain adjacent to Moles Spring Park. Since then, folks dump trash regularly. The ``No Dumping'' signs were a good idea, but now serve as a guide to the best places to pull over and dump. I hope someone in authority checks this out so we may avoid a very embarrassing situation.
GERALD F. McCARTHY
ROANOKE
Va. senator should represent this state
STAFF writer Warren Fiske's April 22 news article highlights the fact that Oliver North has received 84 percent of his contributions from outside Virginia this year, and Sen. Robb's collection of 77 percent (``Miller the leader in contributions from Virginia''). It's deplorable that the two leading candidates for one of Virginia's Senate seats are being financed mainly by special-interest groups and well-to-do friends from other states.
Larry Sabato, University of Virginia political scientist, is quoted as saying, ``This is unprecedented in Virginia. It says something significant about a candidate when he has more support out of state than inside.''
Most Virginia voters seem to be anti-North and anti-Robb. Democrats must make this known in the June primary, and Republicans need to get the message to their convention delegates.
If we say no to North and Robb, we'll have taken a giant step toward returning our voice in the U.S. Senate to the people of Virginia, where it rightfully belongs.
CHARLES H. DROSTE
ROANOKE
No plaudits for no tax increase
CONGRATULATIONS to County Administrator Elmer Hodge for not raising real-estate taxes in Roanoke County, as reported in the April 26 news article by staff writer Jan Vertefeuille, ``Budget up, not taxes.''
Why should Hodge raise real-estate taxes when property assessments have gone up every year? The assessment has gone up on our home and property at least $3,000 or more each year since he came to work for the county. Our house payment has almost doubled since we purchased the house 16 years ago due to assessment increases. Our real estate is assessed for more than we could probably sell it for.
Hodge must think county residents are stupid enough to think he is wonderful for not raising real-estate taxes.
CAROLYN B. SLUSHER
ROANOKE
Bad review should not be the last word
I'M A teacher with roots in East Tennessee. I was exhilirated to see that CBS was finally going to show a movie from the book ``Christy'' by Catherine Marshall. However, when I read the March 31 review in the Extra section by Tom Shales (``Just being nice not enough for `Christy'''), I lost heart. Good stories can be ruined by bad movies.
Shales told how bad this movie would be. How many people did he discourage from watching it? It's wonderfully done, and it's true to the book and to the culture. The casting's superb!
Please retract that review, or print a positive one before more people miss what is left of this wonderful series.
IRENE FASSAM
BLACKSBURG
Finally, able to breathe
FINALLY, I've been heard! I'm the one whose pleading voice has been snuffed by the cloud of smoke dispersed by cigarettes of past co-workers and present fellow shoppers. To them, I say: I wish it could have been your choice, your compassion for me, your recognition of the pain you inflicted upon me. You had the choice; I had nowhere else to go. Instead, the choice was made for you; your ears have been perked and your jaws held steady and firm by a rule to be enforced on June 1 (April 9 news article by staff writer Michael Stowe, ``Region's malls to ban smoking'').
Realize that decisions aren't always black and white. We as a society affect others and are affected by results of these decisions. Contemplation of those results is what leads us all to civilization.
I'm glad that now I'll be allowed to shop in a smoke-free environment. But, much to my dismay, it will probably be coupled with under-the-breath grumblings from smokers who feel their rights have been infringed upon. Please understand, I don't wish to take away anything from you - I only want to breathe!
MARJORIE S. MUELLER
ROANOKE
by CNB