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

DATE: FRIDAY, June 2, 1995                   TAG: 9506030001
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CITY SHOULD CHERISH ITS HISTORY

I'm a resident of this city. Therefore, I am as responsible as any other citizen for the city's actions. Where I grew up, old buildings were cherished and cared for as the inheritance of future citizens. I have always been proud that Roanoke has taken measures to preserve our history's architecture. Shining examples are Hotel Roanoke and the downtown bus station. The city managed to keep the old, beautiful architecture on the outside while gutting the inside and replacing it with wonderful, modern facilities.

Stonewall Jackson has a beautiful exterior and a wonderful history that deserves to be preserved. The debate has focused on the Southeast neighborhood, and has failed to acknowledge the sorrow that all Roanoke Valley residents will feel if the school building is destroyed. Your May 24 editorial (``The pride of old Southeast'') acknowledged the poor communication and handling of this situation by School Superintendent Wayne Harris, the School Board and Roanoke City Council. I would appreciate it if an extension could be given to the June 15 deadline so that all Roanoke Valley citizens could be involved in making an informed decision about this building's future.

I encourage citizens of Southeast, Gainsboro and throughout the Roanoke Valley to tell their stories of frustration with the city, and everyone else to listen to them. We must strive to meet all of our citizens' needs, and to put people over progress. This may take time, but it's a worthy investment in the health of our city.

FREEDA CATHCART

ROANOKE

More candidates should step forward

IN NOVEMBER, Montgomery County residents will elect their first School Board representatives in four districts. Yet some of those races may be over in less than two weeks from now. To get on the November ballot, candidates must have 125 signatures from voters in their own districts by June 13.

If you were hoping to vote for a sensible advocate for public education, you may be surprised to find that your only choice is a sectarian candidate with an agenda. Right now, as far as I know, that's how things stand in districts B (Ellett Valley, parts of Christiansburg, out Peppers Ferry Road) and E (Prices Fork, McCoy). Races will also be held in districts G and F, for which I'm a candidate.

Many people of good will assume that educational and political issues in this county are in good hands and things will take care of themselves. That isn't true. Many people want to vote for a sensible candidate, but no one wants to be a sensible candidate! Unless people of good will come forward now to get their names on the ballot, there will be no good choice in November, and all the campaigning in the world won't change that. Our children and our county deserve better.

JAMES C. KLAGG

BLACKSBURG

Parents pay for botched abortions

IN HER April 28 letter to the editor (``Candidate's position is afoul''), Linda Appel wonders why Dr. Newell Falkinburg, a candidate for the House of Delegates, supports parental notification before minors can receive an abortion since the American Medical Association does not. Perhaps he better understands the role of parents.

Abortions, like any other medical procedure, are sometimes botched, resulting in complications. A young woman's uterus can tear, puncture or begin uncontrollably hemorrhaging. When such complications arise, she must then be rushed to a real hospital with a real emergency room where real doctors work to undo the damage. If she's a minor, who now is financially responsible for her medical costs, which quickly soar into orbit? Is it the school-based clinic's social worker who made the referral? Is it her boyfriend who impatiently waits in the clinic's parking lot? Is it the boards of directors for the AMA or Planned Barrenhood? Is it Del. Chip Woodrum who repeatedly opposes parental notification?

None of these names will appear on the doctor's bill for any complications or psychological counseling often needed following an abortion. Instead, the girl's parents must pay. Excluding them from the process, while making them ultimately responsible, underscores the moral bankruptcy of the AMA position.

Falkinburg is right. Parents of teen-age girls should reward his courageous position with their votes.

DEBBIE ROGERS

ROANOKE