Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 26, 1994 TAG: 9407260057
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
And "Wonju," that's a stylish one. Taken from the same Korean sister city that brought Roanoke the avenue, it suggests just a touch of the cosmopolitan, hints at those broader horizons the valley must look to in the modern global marketplace as we enter the 21st century, etc.
But "Cornbread," now that takes the cake for wit and cultural compatibility. What goes better with a pinto? Especially in Southwest Virginia, in a Southern city with a small-town heart.
Cute names, all. Cute idea, too, to have a little community contest to name the steeds of Roanoke's new, three-horseman mounted police patrol. Downtown Roanoke, with the horse sense to recognize a public-relations opportunity, awarded the winners pizza for a year.
Most contestants will be feeding the horses, though, rather than the other way round. Entry fees will go toward the mounts' upkeep, which is expected to run $15,000 to $17,000 a year. That ain't beans.
Having these beautiful animals roaming the streets of downtown has a certain romance, we will grant. People like to see them.
We are impressed, generally, by any initiatives taken to lend a downtown (in Roanoke or Salem or Blacksburg or wherever) a distinctive air or asset that can attract visitors and commerce.
In the case of the horse patrols, there's also the touted benefit of added security.
If, however, the area needs mounted police patrols, we'd still put our money on bikes. They're mobile, fast, safe. They eat a whole lot less than horses. And they don't require anyone to clean up after them.
by CNB