Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 6, 1995 TAG: 9502070011
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BEN BEAGLE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I've seen the results of such television in the past, and I can't exactly say they were good for governance.
The truth is that being on television activates the show-business genes in many people - except for those people who are distorted by the camera.
On those very rare occasions I have been on the tube, I look like a very ill, aged and sad moose who hasn't a hope left in the world.
There are those who say I look like that in real life, but let that go.
I'm not suggesting here that any member of the board would put on a red-and-white striped jacket and a straw hat and break into a buck-and-wing right after the reading of the minutes of the last meeting has been waived.
Nor do I think some member is going to start singing "Some Enchanted Evening" during discussion of a secondary roads matter. I hope not anyway.
These people are more sophisticated than that. Sure, some members may start getting $20 haircuts by young women known as Bibi or Danielle, and they may wear a little blush on meeting nights.
Vanity is not the danger here, however. The real thing those of us who care about good government have to fear is that almost certainly that board members will become more wordy on television.
It is one thing to face a room full of desperate taxpayers and say: "I don't like this tax increase either, but it's needed."
On camera, the same member may rise majestically from his seat, grasp the lapels of his jacket, and say:
"The people of Roanoke County have many sorrows. Her men and women weep for the days of the reasonable water bill. And it ill behooves their governing body to increase their taxes.
"Men and women may cry lower taxes, but there are none. This has been the way of the world since our forefathers brought forth a nation on this continent. And our tears must water change, which ever calls for more money. Change is inexorable and dogs our footsteps. But let us go forth from this place with a new determination and faith in ourselves."
This is the kind of stuff that takes the heart out of the people. They will become docile and say they will pay the taxes if that guy will just shut up.
Next week: "Abe Lincoln in Illinois."
by CNB