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

DATE: MONDAY, November 28, 1994                   TAG: 9412070042
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GOVERNMENT CAN'T MEET SPIRITUAL NEEDS

WHY all the fuss over school prayer? Before the courts banned it, I headed an elected school board in New Jersey. Occasionally, I visited the high school. Over the public-address system before classes began, a voice recited a verse from the Old Testament Bible, all the while its being apparent that virtually nobody paid any attention. As the voice concluded with The Lord's Prayer, again nobody paid attention! I thought then, ``If prayer has any value or meaning, certainly what's going on here hardly passes for meaningful communication with the Almighty!''

If there are those concerned that there be more spiritual communication, let's first seek a genuine revival led by our houses of worship. Then, let's see whether we still think there's great need for school prayer other than that which is presently wholly legal, as initiated individually and privately by students.

Although for all my 80 years I've been identified with a particular branch of my faith, I'm concerned that with any form of legalized entreaties to a supreme being. We're likely to be deluged with such a great variety of ``prayers'' that many will be repugnant (or at least distasteful) to many.

Back a few decades ago, one or two religious varieties dominated most neighborhoods. But we can be sure today that there'd be a plethora of demands that ``divine entreaties'' be uttered in classrooms, some quite repulsive to those present.

Despite my personal conviction that we humans are in great need of recognizing our dependence on a power beyond ourselves, no amount of legislative edicts intended to promote it can ever take the place of voluntary commitment! After several decades convincing us of the dangers of big government, let's not think it can solve our prayer needs. I oppose any proposed amendment.

PAUL W. NORDT JR. SALEM

Water-and-sewer rates are justified

IN A Nov. 20 letter by Joseph W. Behl (``County's rates climb out of bounds''), he expressed concern over Roanoke County's water and sewer rates.

He's correct in stating that rates have increased substantially over the past several years. In addition, water rates are scheduled to rise another 10 percent, and sewer rates another 25 percent, on July 1, 1995. After that, they're expected to remain stable.

The Spring Hollow Water project is being funded from $15 million in general-obligation bonds, for which debt service payments come from tax revenues, and approximately $60 million in revenue bonds, for which debt service payments are derived from connection fees and service charges. These bonds have a term of 30 to 32 years, and payments are timed in an attempt to keep taxes and service charges to a reasonable level, consistent with estimated population growth.

Bonds to fund the county's $12 million portion of the regional sewage-system upgrade have not yet been sold, but are expected to be for 20-year terms through a Virginia state program whose interest rates are below market rates.

The Spring Hollow Water project and sewage-plant upgrade are vital to ensure a reliable and safe water supply, and to accommodate the area's future growth. We believe these projects have been handled in a responsible and cost-effective manner. Unfortunately, there's no legal way to pay for these projects other than passing costs on to county citizens.

LEE B. EDDY Chairman, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors ROANOKE

Time now to fight together

OK. ELECTIONS are over (for a while, anyway).

Those conservatives who couldn't vote for a man who ``lied to Congress,'' but instead pulled the lever for Sen. Charles Robb, let's say we shake hands and come out fighting, as one.

Let's pool our resources (read voting power), and seek to reason together to bring influence on governance where we're like-minded. Let's influence our elected officials as one on moral issues where we find consent among ourselves.

This appeal addresses those who don't want a senator or congressman who supports abortion. I also plead to citizens who believe homosexuality is something more than just an alternative lifestyle.

Further, let's strive with eternal vigilance to keep government off the backs of our children and grandchildren. They need to be able to enjoy the benefits of this great nation that you and I have enjoyed.

As parents and grandparents, let's join together and insist that our elected officials stop giving away our children's inheritance. We've slid in my lifetime from being the world's most prosperous nation to being the world's largest debtor nation.

These and other important issues can cement our efforts to work together to turn our troubled nation around.

MRS. ILEADA RIBBLE VINTON

Memo: ***CORRECTION***

by CNB