Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 15, 1995 TAG: 9510160005
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
At last week's Virginia Tech Faculty Senate Candidates Forum, Griffith was right there in the audience monitoring Larry's every word like a director at a play. Even after the poorly attended forum, Morgan apparently felt the need to help explain Larry's distortions of Jim Shuler's record to The Roanoke Times reporter, just in case Linkous hadn't read the script just right.
George Allen wants to win this election at all costs, and he has ordered his tightly controlled legislators, especially those who are unopposed like Griffith, to make sure his candidates who are trying to unseat respected Democrats toe the party line. I'm sure that Morgan will also be told to pass along his unneeded campaign contributions to Linkous for a last-minute media blitz of distortions and half-truths like the ones that Griffith has recently inserted into Larry's speeches.
We don't need someone in Richmond who has to have his strings pulled by Morgan Griffith or any other George Allen stand-in. We need someone who can stand on his own two feet and throw a "temper tantrum" on the floor of the House once in a while, if that's what it takes to stop the governor's attempts to destroy higher education, health care and police protection in Virginia. We need Jim Shuler in the House of Delegates.
Jim Marchman
Blacksburg
Ira Long thanked for green box siting
As citizens of District E in Montgomery County we would like to thank Ira Long, our representative on the Board of Supervisors, for his prompt and diligent effort in locating a site for green boxes.
This is a complicated process requiring cooperation between area landowners and the county. On very short notice, he was able to find an area for relocation for the residents of the McCoy-Longshop and Wake Forest areas.
Stuart and Renee White
Christiansburg
Victim of crime supports Shockley
On Nov. 8, 1993, two guys drove up my driveway and asked to borrow a tool. As I unlocked my garage, I was hit in the back of the head. I was comatose for two months or longer.
I was hospitalized for eight months and I am still having a lot of therapy - six days a week. I can walk with a cane and have a brace on my right leg. I cannot use my right arm at all and my speech is very limited.
Two paroled murderers, Billy Joe Hampton and Gary Shanks, were both convicted of aggravated malicious wounding, robbery and burglary. Commonwealth's Attorney Everett Shockley asked for the maximum sentence in each case and both men were sentenced to three consecutive life terms. I was very pleased.
I felt confident having Mr. Shockley represent me. His reputation as commonwealth's attorney was well known throughout this area. He is a crime-fighter and a firm believer that the criminal should be prosecuted to the limit that our judicial system allows. I encourage everyone to vote for Mr. Shockley.
Robert McDaniel
Radford
Zelda Vaughn right for Clerk of Court
On Nov. 7, we vote for a new clerk of court, a position held by J.D. Harmon for the past 11 years. While this position is more or less "taken for granted" by most of our citizens, it is, in fact, one of the most important offices in the state.
When we vote next month, we must pick out the BEST person for the job from a field of three real fine candidates. But ask yourself this: Which of the candidates is running because of a burning desire to serve the citizens of Radford and which is running because of a burning desire to pocket $60,000 a year plus benefits?
One candidate is clearly interested in serving Radford because she has already done the job for 20 years for a lot less than $60,000! The right person for the job is clearly Mrs. Zelda Vaughn. She is a fine person of unquestionable character. Now it is time for the voters of Radford to give her the title and the money.
Susan and Woody Gaskins
Radford
Emphasizing basics is not extremism
Apparently some persons in this community are frightened by the prospect I might get elected to the School Board. My views have somehow become "extreme and uninformed."
What is my "extreme" educational philosophy? Based on my experience at Virginia Tech, we need to emphasize basic academics: reading, writing, spelling, grammar, math, science and nonrevised U.S. history. Every child would be a reader if we insisted on intensive and systematic phonics in grades K-2. Our sex education programs should send only one message: abstinence.
Uninformed? Over the past five years I have researched and studied various books and reports concerning elementary and secondary education and have also met with local school officials about programs in the Montgomery County schools.
John LeDoux
Blacksburg
A gentleman wouldn't criticize
In the Oct. 3 New River Current article "Campaign of Gentlemen," I find Joey Showalter's view of gentlemen way off base.
Had Joey Showalter been through a serious illness, he would show compassion. He would understand that those of us who have are stronger, tougher, kinder and more experienced for what we have been through.
Phil Keith may not always be able to stand when a lady or gentleman enters his office, but he will quickly extend his hand and apologize for not standing. I have on several occasions seen him for advice or help.
He is a warm, kind, compassionate man. Do these qualities make him less qualified for our commonwealth's attorney? I think not!
Mr. Keith's record as our commonwealth's attorney speaks for him.
Dot Thornhill
Blacksburg
No job worries for deputies
A rumor in some circles indicates Trooper Dowdy would fire a lot of deputies if he was elected sheriff.
To satisfy myself, I called Trooper Dowdy about this. He assured me that all deputies now doing their job would certainly have no worry about keeping it. So much for the rumor.
David Harrell
Pulaski County
Calling on deputies to investigate
I had to sit in my vehicle for a long time while a county deputy directed traffic around a wrecked vehicle blocking the highway.
My question is, why can't or don't deputies investigate accidents? We have so few state troopers working the area, and citizens shouldn't have to be subjected to this when an accident is on the scene.
Autumn Harrell
Pulaski County
In revenue race, no merit to charges
As a past president of the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia, I was dismayed at some of the political ads in the campaign for commissioner of the revenue in Montgomery County.
Personal property tax rates and assessment ratios are set locally, but the method of assessment is governed by state law. Local personal property tax forms must be approved by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
The accusatory remarks being used in this campaign on high-mileage vehicle assessments have no merit. There is not, to my knowledge, any commissioner who indicates on the personal property forms conditions that reduce an assessment on vehicles. As with any assessment, taxpayers by law have the right to review and appeal their assessments.
Robertine Jordan, the present commissioner of the revenue, is retiring after 45 years of distinguished service, having also served as president of the Commissioner of the Revenue Association of Virginia.
Juanita Dickerson
Fairfax
Radford hospital defends report
I am responding to a recent letter from Christopher W. Dux, administrator of Pulaski Community Hospital. He questioned the accuracy of a report in which Radford Community Hospital documented savings of more than $4.5 million over 10 years by building a replacement hospital.
The information presented by our hospital is valid. We will save $1.3 million in operating costs per year or $13 million over 10 years by building a replacement hospital. Operating costs are the day-to-day expenses of operating a hospital and do not include building or equipment costs. When comparing the total cost of replacing our hospital, including operating-cost savings, to the cost of renovating the existing one, we will realize a net savings of more than $4.5 million.
I hope Mr. Dux and any of your readers will feel free to call me to discuss any information presented in our application before they reach an incorrect conclusion. I can be reached at 731-2504 to discuss any questions or concerns.
Donna Littlepage
Chief Financial Officer,
Radford Community Hospital
Where are the deputies?
We live in the country, but as taxpayers we feel that it's still a part of the county and should see a county deputy once in a while.
The only time they make an appearance is when they're called, and then there seems to be no hurry in responding.
Phyllis Williams
Radford
by CNB