Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 19, 1995 TAG: 9507190020
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Likewise, another turning point may have occurred in the joint meeting on July 11 of Roanoke city and Roanoke County top officials, as reported in your July 12 newspaper (``Wanted: Center to showcase history''). Perhaps this will eventually be seen as the critical turning point for our valley. It wasn't so much the issues that were discussed - health care, transportation and local governance. Much more, it was the manner, characterized as normal, matter-of-fact and constructive, in which the issues were apparently discussed.
As a county resident, I recently participated in the county's ongoing visioning process, specifically in the focus group on government relations. Our group's vision opened with these words: ``In the year 2010, Roanoke County is one of a group of regional independent counties and cities which choose to practice, as an aggressive and proactive policy, broad-based, regional collaboration and cooperation in meeting the current day-to-day needs of the citizens of Roanoke County, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future.''
This certainly wasn't the first or the most important cooperative effort in the valley. However, that the recent city/county joint leadership meeting proceeded in a quiet, matter-of-fact, constructive way was for me an important encouraging event. Perhaps even a turning point.
JOHN S. JENNINGS
ROANOKE
Saluting freedom, in splendid style
THIS YEAR'S Fourth of July began like most, with my attaching Old Glory to our flagpole. Anticipation was high for the Music for Americans gala at Victory Stadium. We didn't let the weather forecast hamper our plans for joining family members and friends for a picnic in the infield.
The moment former Mayor Noel Taylor finished his invocational prayer, I fought back patriotic tears as the entire crowd sang our country's national anthem.
What was special about this particular celebration? Maybe it was the fact I had many friends singing in the Music for Americans Chorus. Could it have been the splendid music of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra as it saluted America, and delighted children with selections from several Disney movies? It was definitely amusing when an attractive female member of the Virginians sang ``Why Haven't I Heard From You?'' to my brother as he affectionately pointed to my sister-in-law.
An especially touching part of the program was when Stan Kingma asked members or former members of the Armed Forces to stand as the orchestra played each branch's theme song. As I looked around me, men stood tall and proud to have been given the privilege of serving his country. When the Air Force song was played, my husband and brother stood side by side with heads held high. When the Marine hymn began, my nephew snapped to his feet. When the Navy song, ``Anchors Aweigh,'' started, I noticed a handicapped lady in a wheelchair struggling to stand. Quickly, her companion gripped her arms, brought her to her feet, and held her up as she grinned triumphantly. And it was a joy to see my 3-year-old niece waving her flag high as we all joined the choir in singing ``The Battle Hymn of the Republic.''
My heart pounded as the ``1812 Overture'' was so beautifully played. As the trumpets sounded and the howitzers fired, one could visualize the battle escalating. And the Craft family executed the most spectacular fireworks display I've seen anywhere. Each year, I'm awed by the variety and grandeur of the fireworks' sights and sounds.
John Adams said of July 4, 1776, ``It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other ... '' I would like to thank The Roanoke Times for helping those of us in Roanoke and surrounding areas celebrate our freedoms in America in such an appropriate manner.
TEENA TRENT
ROANOKE
Timber Lake residents grateful
AS A homeowner at Timber Lake, I want to express appreciation to the many friends and neighbors who have provided support for our community during this most difficult time.
It's hard for a community to lose a loved neighbor and its identity all in the span of a few hours. Our hearts are also heavy about the loss experienced by other Virginians during the devastating floods that crossed Virginia. But this little community is strong. We'll work hard to rebuild Timber Lake.
We appreciate all you can do to assist. Before the flood, a comprehensive history of this unique Virginia community had already been prepared for publication. A large share of the proceeds will now go toward restoring Timber Lake.
Continued support of our greater community means everything to Timber Lake residents.
DOUG WASHINGTON
LYNCHBURG
BATF's deeds should be punished
I WANT to put Raymond L. Wilkerson's fear for his mental health to rest. In his June 29 letter to the editor (``Media are part of anti-gun conspiracy''), he referred to himself as paranoid and cynical. He's merely an astute observer of facts. Often, the media seem merely a cheerleading squad for gun prohibitionists who would outlaw the individual's right to keep and bear arms.
In your July 5 newspaper, a frightening report (``Administration warns against Waco probe'') told that the Treasury Department wishes to shelter the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms from investigation. Numerous atrocities and murders of innocents the BATF has committed in the name of enforcing firearms laws should not go unpunished. The brutal slaughter on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, and the sniper slaying of Randy Weavers' wife while she held a baby are only two of many abominations this government has committed.
Yet, the Treasury Department wants no investigations! This really shouldn't be a surprise. After all, cockroaches, rats and other vermin prefer the shadows of night or the sullen darkness of ignorance.
DAVID JOHNSON
ROANOKE
Now the title is tarnished
THIS YEAR I participated in Salem's Junior Miss scholarship program. This pageant is much like the Miss Virginia pageant in that it emphasizes excellence, offers scholarships and draws some of the area's finest young women.
When I first read about the controversy surrounding the newly crowned Miss Virginia, Andrea Ballengee, I started to question the standards by which pageant officials determine the best representative for our state.
Supposedly, this pageant relies not only on the qualities of talent and a swimsuit competition, but also on qualities of honor, integrity and high moral standards. I feel pageant officials show poor judgment in allowing untruths and misrepresentations to follow our Miss Virginia to the Miss America competition in Atlantic City.
Ballengee obviously possesses many fine qualities that allowed her to win the Miss Virginia pageant. However, in light of recent events, we must question what kind of example we are setting for our youth in allowing ``little white lies'' to be the standard acceptable for the ultimate goal of victory.
CATHERINE L. WELFORD
1995 Salem Junior Miss
SALEM
Seeing new flaws in the billing system
REGARDING Roanoke County monthly water bills:
I received my first ``monthly'' water bill with a billing date of July 5 and a due date of July 20. This makes it hard on retired people of limited income to pay in the middle of the month instead of on the first of each month. If you don't pay in the middle of the month, you're billed for an additional 10 percent of the total. My bill had been running about $70 per quarter with a high of $82. This bill is for $31.21 per month, which would be $93.63 a quarter, a $12 to $15 increase per quarter.
Is this our leaders' way of increasing our water bills, thinking we won't know or notice the increase, plus the time and stamps required to pay monthly? This, plus paying $30,000 to bill monthly to save $5,000 to $6,000 on delinquent bills, doesn't add up to a good decision by our leaders.
RANDY E. PRILLAMAN
ROANOKE
by CNB