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

DATE: SATURDAY, July 9, 1994                   TAG: 9407280035
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BRIEFLY PUT . . .

THE CITY of Roanoke's fabulous homicide record - zero killings in 1994 to date - was Page 1 news this week in Richmond. It should have been, considering that that city has had the deadliest half-year in its history, with 82 people shot, stabbed, bludgeoned or scalded to death so far in '94.

As noted earlier in this space, luck has doubtless played a role in Roanoke's zip-for-6 record. But so, too, has stepped-up law enforcement activity, including community-policing efforts that involve law-abiding citizens in a partnership to prevent crimes instead of merely respond to them.

Richmonders may not move here in droves because of the sharply contrasting homicide statistics. But why not? If some do come, they'll be most welcome - provided they leave their weapons behind.

IT'S A GOOD thing safety and welfare didn't depend on the federal government's prompt response to Roanoke City Attorney Wilburn Dibling's request for information re the Ku Klux Klan.

The request was filed under the Freedom of Information Act in 1981, at a time when the race-baiting Klan was planning a march in downtown Roanoke. The documents sought from the Justice Department were sent to Dibling in June - 13 years and one month after he asked for them.

Possibly with Bill Clinton and Veep Al Gore reinventing government, bureaucrats will become a bit more efficient and attentive when citizens request services and help from the feds. Officialdom should note: FOI does not stand for Fend Off Indefinitely.

by CNB