Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509210039
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
D.U., Wytheville
A: The state code has more than a dozen references to malfeasance and misfeasance.
Here are some basic definitions and examples, just for coffee talk:
Malfeasance is wrongdoing by a public officer who knows the act is illegal or wrong, or has agreed not to do it.
If true, the recent accusations against Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood of forcing sexual attention on staff members and pressuring associates into hiring his wife probably would constitute malfeasance.
Other examples include making knowingly false entries in tax record books, omitting taxes from a delinquent list or issuing improper search warrants.
Misfeasance is a misuse of authority, or an improper way of doing something an official can do legally.
An example from the code is a state employee giving someone a pay raise that hasn't been approved.
Nonfeasance is failure to do what ought to be done.
The usual penalties are removing the offender from office and possible loss of pension eligibility in the Virginia Retirement System.
If the acts amount to criminal violations, jail or fines may be involved.|
On the road
Q: With Peters Creek Road being extended south from Melrose Avenue, will the Summit Hills area be opened to traffic from the new road?
C.M., Roanoke
A: Your neighborhood won't have direct access to the new Peters Creek Road, now under construction from Melrose to Shenandoah Avenue.
When complete, Peters Creek Road Extension will have these intersections, with signals:
At Melrose, Salem Turnpike, Shenandoah Avenue, Aerial Way Drive and Brandon Avenue.
Buyer beware
Q: I recently got ripped off by a scam that was advertised in the newspaper's classified section. The ad called for proofreaders to read books and be paid well. It turned out to be a phone number where I gave my credit card number and paid $50 for a list of editors. I was supposed to call the editors and get the books for proofreading. I never got the list, but was charged nearly $55 on my credit card.
N.N.
A: The first rule for giving out your card number on the phone is: There's some risk even when you know whom you're talking to. Giving it to a stranger is purely dangerous.
Rule 2: When an offer from an unknown source sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The newspaper stopped carrying this classified ad as soon as we received a complaint. The paper has guidelines for screening new ads in an effort to protect the public, but this one slipped through. The newspaper cannot vouch for the integrity of advertisers.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB