Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 1, 1995 TAG: 9510020004
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Why is the government willing to spend money on prisons and not on preventive measures? There are many organizations that help kids stay on the right track; I am a member of three: the Montgomery Youth Adult Partnership, the New River Valley Breathin' Easy Coalition, and Teens Need Teens, a peer counseling group at CHS.
A lot of these organizations are short on money. More funding would help us achieve more goals and achieve them faster. Government should provide more funding for these groups. If this was done most of the prisons would not be needed. I would like to thank those who support these organizations.
April Orange
Christiansburg
Republican shift won't help our area
This fall's General Assembly election may become a landmark in Virginia political history, as only a handful of seats need to change hands for Republicans to gain control. Such a changing of the guard would strengthen Gov. George Allen's power to set the state agenda. Despite claims by local Republican candidates that they can stand up to Allen when he is wrong, it is unlikely that they would do so in the way the Democrats have done.
A more significant long-term outcome if Republicans win would be a major political power shift in the state, giving Northern Virginia tremendous influence. A recent Washington Post article found one Republican leader stating, "Northern Virginia makes out like bandits if the Republicans take control of the General Assembly."
Northern Virginia Republicans would become chairmen of key bodies, including the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. With this control, Northern Virginia Republicans expect to change funding formulas for public schools and roads to benefit their area and George Mason University.
If the Republican forecast is correct, the stakes for Southwest Virginia are enormous. If we want our area to continue as a viable legislative player, then we must send our Democratic legislators back to Richmond.
Party counts, and counts a lot in this election. Both [state Sen.] Madison Marye and [Del.] Jim Shuler represent us well. Let us re-elect them and not turn over "unprecedented" power to Northern Virginia.
Dan Fleming
Blacksburg
Some questions about shooting
In response to the column in Sunday's Current [Sept. 17] about the incident of three policemen arresting a young man in the Revco Drug Store in Blacksburg, I have some questions.
Why is it important to know the name of the police officers involved until an investigation by state police is finished? What do these people intend to do with this information, and what will it solve? The police officers involved are suffering emotionally.
If you are to Monday-morning quarterback the incident, let's not make it one-sided. Why was a young man, who knew police were looking for him and considered him armed and dangerous, doing in the area and carrying any type of gun?
With so many loving and caring family members and friends, why was this young man so careless with his actions to come to this point in his life? Did these family members and friends encourage him and see that he attended school and graduated? Did they teach him as a child to respect authority and the laws of our land? Was he taught the differences between right and wrong? Was he told how and when to say "no" to things and ways of life that could hurt him and others?
Although these things in themselves do not guarantee your child will always do what is right, they give him the tools and head him down the correct road in showing respect and loving his fellow man.
I do not put any officer of the law on a pedestal. They are human beings just like you and me. But I have taught my children to respect their authority as officers of the law.
Donna Chafin
Christiansburg
Campaign signs clutter the county
I would like to comment on the unsightly campaign signs displayed throughout Montgomery County. These posters are far too large, and they block the view at dangerous intersections, for example Childress Road and Meadow Creek Road. The materials in these signs would have been enough to build a shelter for the homeless, which would make a lot more sense than what it was used for. I certainly hope the signs will be removed as quickly as they were placed.
Elva Scaggs
Riner
Everett Shockley person for the job
My family had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a violent crime in 1988, when my mother was murdered in her own home. Everett Shockley's compassion, understanding and sympathy were a tremendous comfort to me during this period. He worked hard to see that justice was done. He conferred with me on numerous occasions and kept me updated on the case. I observed his actions in court and was impressed with his handling of the case.
Even after the disposition of the case, Shockley and his staff continued to keep me informed about the parole status of the individual convicted. In addition, he has communicated to the Virginia Parole Board his opposition to early parole, a major factor in the continued imprisonment of this individual.
I do not belong to any political party. I vote for the candidate who I believe will do the best job. I truly believe Everett Shockley is an effective commonwealth's attorney for Pulaski County, and I strongly support his re-election.
Nancy Burchett
Pulaski
The Allen agenda not good for area
Gov. Allen, frustrated in attempts to decimate public and higher education, libraries, museums, and other amenities of civilization that Virginia has supported, desperately wants to get enough rubber-stamps elected to the General Assembly so his "ideas" will be on a roll for the next biennium. Simplistically, he blames political opposition for his failures, conveniently forgetting it took a good number of his own party, and a general uproar from three former governors, mayors, county officials and business people, to stave off his mistaken penuriousness. This in a state with one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation.
Nobody wants wasteful spending, but it requires some sensitivity to know when some things are not measurable by a bottom line. At Virginia Tech, there is an exodus of some of the best and some younger faculty seeking greener fields. Faculty rewards at Tech dropped from No.11 to No.17 among 20 peer institutions, according to President Paul Torgerson.
Finally, under pressure from some of the most influential of his own party, the governor says he will ask for increased funding for education. Will wonders never cease!
There are some Republican candidates who say they will not support him if he seeks to cut our institutions again. But it would be better insurance to elect those who have proven themselves in this area, as have [state Sen.] Madison Marye and [Del.] Jim Shuler.
Leonard Uttal
Blacksburg
Dowdy does duty, deserves your vote
I have known Norman Dowdy, candidate for Pulaski County sheriff, both personally and professionally for 37 years. I know him to be a dedicated, well-trained, hard-working police officer. Although a strict enforcer of all laws, he also has a deep compassion for people who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances. Many times I have seen him go way out of his way to help, even to giving money from his own pocket. Norman truly cares for people.
I can assure voters of Pulaski County that he will insist on strict law enforcement, but at the same time I can also assure them that it will be honest and totally fair. He has no racial, ethnic or station-in-life prejudices. Rich, poor, black or white will be treated the same. I have seen him put these high standards into practice, so I know of what I speak.
Dowdy and all state troopers are capable of investigating any crime, not just traffic cases. Court and state police records will bear this out.
W.W. Lester
Dublin
Septemberfest a real slumberfest
It was all over the papers, and people had been talking about it for weeks before it happened. Why? Don't ask me, because the yearly Septemberfest proved to be no more than a practical joke being played on the public. There was nothing really there. This was the first Septemberfest I had ever gone downtown to check out and see what there was to see. But that's just it, there wasn't anything worth seeing!
Attending this was the No.1 biggest disappointment in my entire life. If our city government cannot provide any better recreation for their citizens, I feel sorry for them. I could arrange something better myself.
Edith Bowman
Radford
Reader supports hospital in Radford
I am writing as an associate and supporter for a new Radford hospital. Through the years, Radford Community Hospital has been known for its quality patient care. Clients are not turned away because of their inability to pay.
The hospital was built by the citizens of Radford as a life-saving business and not a for-profit business. If the citizens of Radford and surrounding areas want a new updated hospital, why should other hospitals be allowed to tell the citizens what they need? When it comes to saving lives, why should the cost of a building be such a No.1 factor? Just because one can build a building cheaper, [that] does not mean it is the best. Radford Community has outgrown its present location in a residential section, and a new health center is needed to bring it in line with other hospitals.
Dottie Williams
Radford
by CNB