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

DATE: SATURDAY, October 21, 1995                   TAG: 9510230085
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BEDFORD IS FINE AS IT IS

Anita and H.F. Garner of Forest, the organizers behind the consolidation petitions, have mailed out fliers to a lot of people telling them about the advantages if they vote for consolidation. If you read the flier, you'll note that we already have these so-called advantages. They even boast of how great it will be to become the first shire of Virginia. What a farce.

Remember, consolidation is when two or more units join together to become one. This isn't consolidation because you start with two governments and end up with two. It's just reorganization.

Out of a 71-cent real-estate tax rate, city voters need to remember that the present city (proposed shire) would only get 6 cents, and out of the $1.50 personal-property tax rate, only 20 cents. The rest would go to the new city (county). Also, you'll be subject to taxation by both governments. County voters should consider that if this so-called consolidation is approved, next will come a meal tax.

This is your one chance to save your respective governments, but you must vote. If this consolidation takes place, in time people will wonder where Montvale, Stewartsville, Chamblissburg, Moneta, Huddlestion, Big Island, Goode and Forest, to name a few, are.

Bedford city and county voters need to say that we don't want change. Vote ``no'' to consolidation.

DAVE BALLARD

BEDFORD

Marye doesn't have a grasp on facts

I ATTENDED a candidates' forum sponsored by the Virginia Tech Faculty Senate, and I was shocked and embarrassed at Sen. Madison Marye's performance. He refused to answer one question, and his replies to the remainder of the questions were so confusing that even his supporters sitting in the audience shook their heads in amazement.

Once again, Marye didn't have the facts. He said Gov. Gerald Baliles criticized Tech at a homecoming game. This isn't true. Baliles belittled Tech at my graduation ceremony. I know, because I was there!

Following the forum at Tech, Marye was asked by a reporter for a reason as to why he couldn't answer the questions. He said that the Tech Republicans seated in the audience applauded Pat Cupp's replies so often that he became confused. Perhaps Marye just didn't want to admit how out of touch he is on issues facing our district.

We need Cupp in the state Senate.

DEBRA ALVIS

BLACKSBURG

Like father, like son

THE LONGER I'm associated with John Edwards, the more innate good I find in him. He speaks very highly of his father. Like father, like son. His dad was mayor of Roanoke, and then a judge; his brother is a doctor. It seems that heredity has played an important role in his basic beliefs and dedication to public service.

Veterans, remember that Edwards served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. We need him to represent us in the state Senate as effectively as he has represented us in the Roanoke Valley.

WILLIAM W. ARNOLD

ROANOKE

The public has had a bellyful

WELL, once again I find myself writing to you with my dander up.

I know I speak for thousands of other folks as well as myself when I say, ``Enough O.J.'' The biggest sensation of the century, the biggest courtroom display since Lindberg and the trial to end all trials is over. Let it go. CNN and Geraldo made sure we never missed a speck. The lawyers and their theatrics were presented, the jurors did their job and the judge ended the case.

It's over. Leave it alone.

JIM KIMBALL

ROANOKE