Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510310012
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
While Jim Shuler is a nice man, he is not the aggressive leader we need in the House of Delegates. Larry Linkous is the type of leader we need from Southwest Virginia to combat the large voting blocs from eastern and Northern Virginia (road money). What we don't need is someone who claims to be fighting for Montgomery County and yet sits down when asked a question about funds for Virginia Tech.
Jim Shuler was the only delegate to oppose Virginia Tech's money being in the uncontested portion of the budget bill. Jim Shuler chose to play partisan political games and then when the game got rough, he ran like a frightened puppy. Unfortunately, Shuler had not received a script from Dick Cranwell as to what he should answer if his partisan political gesture was met with more than gentle prodding. He couldn't handle it on his own.
I believe that Larry Linkous would be able to handle any issue on his own. He has already proved that he is strong enough to look the governor in the eye and tell him exactly what he thinks. As for me being an Allen clone, take a look at my vote on the Allen budget and the tax cut. When those measures impacted Montgomery County negatively, I voted against them.
Unlike Jim Shuler, I have asserted my independence. I believe Larry Linkous will assert his independence and deserves your support.
H. Morgan Griffith
Representative,
House of Delegates,
8th District
Shuler is the obvious choice
During the House of Delegates campaign, Larry Linkous has been asked by a number of citizens why he switched political parties halfway through his first term on the Board of Supervisors.
He has responded that: 1) the Democratic Party left him, 2) he didn't agree with the comments made by one unidentified "pro-labor" individual at a party function. These explanations fail to inspire confidence in Mr. Linkous' convictions.
Four years ago, he took campaign donations from Democrats (mine included) and at a fund raiser I attended even specifically asked for help in getting the support of the teachers association and organized labor. His campaign is now running a labor-bashing radio ad that inaccurately refers to a nonexistent teachers "union."
Was it just expedient to run as a Democrat to beat Todd Solberg? Is it now just as expedient to become a Republican to try to unseat incumbent Jim Shuler?
Montgomery County needs a candidate who knows where he stands. Jim Shuler has consistently fought for Virginia Tech, its families, our local educators and our school children. Democrats, independents and, yes, even Republicans respect candidates who have the courage of their convictions and don't switch sides. Larry Linkous is a likable guy, but this year's concerns demand consistency, political integrity and a proven record of support for Montgomery County. Shuler is the obvious choice.
Joseph Steffen Jr.
Blacksburg
Re-elect Keith as prosecutor
Phillip Keith has ably served Montgomery County as commonwealth's attorney for the past six years. He has been in the office for 17 years. That's a lot of experience. Lawyers, police officers and judges respect him for his great knowledge of the law and the fair and compassionate way he handles the cases he prosecutes.
Citizens of our county always find his office open to those who want to discuss problems and ask for advice. The only complaints heard this fall have been the self-serving ones made by Joey Showalter.
We voters might ask Showalter what makes him qualified to be our commonwealth's attorney. He has no good answer. He has no prosecuting experience. He has tried only one felony jury trial in Montgomery County Circuit Court. He is a young, inexperienced lawyer. Showalter and some of his supporters have made an issue of Mr. Keith's health. If Mr. Keith and his doctors (experts in their field) believe he is physically able to carry out his job, who is Showalter to say differently? Are we in Montgomery County going to allow it to be said that only those of us in the prime of health and fitness are able to perform our jobs?
Ruth Chafin
Blacksburg
Elect St. Clair on Nov. 7
I am a longtime resident of Montgomery County and I find it appalling that we haven't been informed about how tax assessments are made. Our elected officials should inform all of the people they serve and not cater to a select few. Almost every vehicle I have owned would have qualified for a "high mileage" tax break. I resent not knowing this.
Helen St. Clair has always been willing to work for the average citizen. I have called her on numerous occasions. She is well informed on the tax laws and ordinances and has the ability and willingness to explain them in simple terms.
We need change and not more of the same - elect Helen St. Clair on Nov. 7.
Ruby Wright
Shawsville
Nancy Miller keeps leadership in place
I am sure that none of us would elect someone from the treasurer's office to be sheriff unless somehow they had spent years in law enforcement. The analogy is the same for the Montgomery County commissioner of revenue's office. I have seen inexperienced embattled commissioners during reassessment hearings. It is not a pleasant experience to know that the assessments were too high, partly because of the lack of leadership. Practically all the commissioner's staff require many years of training before being placed is a position of policy interpretation. I have personally watched Ms. Miller handle sensitive tax assessment problems with the public, and when the conversation was over, no matter the outcome, the taxpayer was satisfied with the fairness of her explanation. This county has spent 16 years training the next commissioner. The last reassessment saw a drop in the tax rate which was partly due, in my opinion, to the technical skills and thoroughness of the commissioner's office. I hope you join with me in keeping this leadership in place by voting for Nancy Miller.
Joseph Straub
Blacksburg
Our youth need Dowdy's guidance
In what should be a quaint and secure county nestled in the mountains, Pulaski County's serenity is tainted with a drug and alcohol problem that remains hidden behind the neglect of our legal and law enforcement agencies.
During Ralph Dobbins' term as sheriff, many gallons of alcoholic beverages have been poured out onto our streets and parking lots without the arrest of underaged violators. Being knowledgeable of routine drug and alcohol parties conducted on our river banks, deputies would only make occasional drive-bys without the ambition to stop the illegal events that corrupt our youth. Why?
On the other hand, Norman Dowdy has always maintained the law within his jurisdiction over four decades as a sincere and caring community-oriented official. As a state trooper, Norman Dowdy has involved himself in world-class training, severe situations, and physically and mentally taxing decades of public service without any personal condition.
Vote for change, vote for a trooper and teammate in fighting crime in Pulaski County. Our youth needs guidance.
Michael Smith
Pulaski
Vote for Dowdy for Pulaski sheriff
This letter is in support of Norman Dowdy's bid for Pulaski County sheriff. Mr. Dowdy is well known throughout our county. He is a family man with strong moral values. He is fair and honest, and respected by his peers and neighbors. Mr. Dowdy was asked and encouraged to seek election by people like me.
Norman Dowdy has great vision in planning to institute a program for officers to check on the elderly and shut-ins. He is wise to point out that our children need an anti-drug program that spans kindergarten through the 12th grade rather than just fifth grade. He knows that one of the best deterrents to crime is police visibility - we currently don't have deputies patrolling our neighborhoods. Norman Dowdy knows that being available to the public means meeting and speaking with people and returning phone calls.
Randall Presley
Dublin
Carolyn Brown for Pulaski School Board
I have had the privilege of working with Carolyn Brown over the past several years. I am certain the professionalism and integrity she demonstrates in her position as a bank manager is present in her role as a member of the Pulaski County School Board. Carolyn has been a School Board member for the past four years and looks forward to serving her community for the upcoming term. Her dedication to family and community is evident in her willingness to actively participate in the future of our Pulaski County students.
Linda Thomas
Dublin
Carter Effler for Radford clerk
I support Carter Effler for election as Radford's clerk of the court. I have met few people with as much honesty and integrity as Carter. He has a dedicated work ethic.
Two things recommend Carter ahead of the other two candidates - his public service record and his business experience. He has served on the Radford School Board both as a member and as vice chairman. He served on the Rescue Squad for 10 years as a cardiac technician and continues to serve with the Radford Fire Department. He has held leadership positions over the years at Central United Methodist Church. He continues to be involved with youth most recently as a volunteer athletic trainer at Radford High School. Carter's record exemplifies an unselfish dedication of time and effort to his hometown of Radford.
Carter has much business experience to go along with his public service record. He managed New River Clinical Laboratory for 31 years. He understands business systems, and he has a great working knowledge of computers. He knows how to treat employees to obtain loyalty and efficiency.
Bill Lacy
Radford
Todd Jones for Radford clerk
I am writing in support of Todd Jones for clerk of court for Radford. I have worked with Todd for nearly five years as a fellow police officer. I have found him to be dedicated to serving his community and not someone simply out for the salary the clerk's position offers. Todd is well-educated, organized and, most importantly, highly progressive. And his progressiveness is just what the clerk's office needs to bring it up to date and into the next century.
Todd has a great deal of experience with the court system in everything from simple traffic cases to complicated drug investigations. His master's degree in criminal justice from Radford University educationally qualifies him for the office. The fact that he has taught many of our children in the DARE program in our schools, teaches at Radford University and lays his life on the line as both a police officer and volunteer fireman not only shows his dedication to serving the city of Radford but also that he is truly an asset to his community.
Mike Canales
Radford
Zelda Vaughn for Radford clerk
Zelda Vaughn has proved for the last 20 years what an asset she has been to Radford in the office of the clerk of court. She is very serious and hard-working in her management as chief deputy of this office the past 11 years. Her experience in performing the hundreds of duties associated with this office cannot be equaled. Her meticulous attention to detail in the many functions of this office, a few of which are civil and criminal cases, adoptions, wills and estates, marriage licenses, etc. gives Radford citizens the assurance that things that may have the utmost importance to them will he handled in an experienced and conscientious manner.
Her dedication, work ethics, and her long experience in carrying out the duties of this office certainly give her the highest qualifications for the office.
J.D. Harman
Radford
Re-elect Sheriff Pike in Wythe
I am writing as an individual interested in quality law enforcement for Wythe County. On Jan. 1, I retired from the Virginia State Police after having served 41 1/2 years. During my career, I coordinated law enforcement duties with dozens of other governmental agencies throughout Virginia, including the Wythe County Sheriff's Office. I found Sheriff Pike's personnel to be highly trained with a mutual interest in getting the job done in a most professional manner.
Upon my retirement, Sheriff Pike employed me as a part-time deputy. I have observed that Sheriff Pike strives to keep Wythe County's citizens safe and their community as crime-free as possible. He also keeps in mind Wythe County tax dollars and uses funds from other sources whenever they are available. This is probably part of the reason that Sheriff Pike was recently selected by the FBI to attend their National Academy, and also why such national organizations as the Police Benevolent Association have endorsed his re-election. Electing a nonprofessional sheriff would be devastating to the citizens of Wythe County.
Don Orfield
Wytheville
Vote Ramsey for|
Montgomery sheriff|
The political bickering has begun. Not withstanding my political affiliations, I recently met Capt. O.P. Ramsey, spoke with him on several occasions and was impressed with his credentials, duties and integrity. He and his team of qualified deputies are serving the New River Valley residents well.
His hard stance on drug enforcement and educational programs bespeak of an independent sheriff beholden to no party as a choice for all.
Frank Kostric Sr.
Christiansburg
Put Jack LeDoux on School Board
We wish to write a few words in support of Jack LeDoux, a candidate for the School Board in District E of Montgomery County. Jack is an honest, intelligent, well-educated man. Lately, though, we've understood that others have labeled him as an extremist; probably because of his conservative Christian philosophy.
The Jack LeDoux we know is not an extremist. He has no hidden agenda. He does not intend to march into our schools wearing a cape and a red "C" on his chest and force students to recite the Bible on demand. He is concerned, deeply concerned, about the quality of education in our schools.
A vote for Jack LeDoux is a vote for improving our schools and guaranteeing success for our young people by getting them back to basics.
Jim and Ann Harrison
Blacksburg
Marye cares about education
If you care about education, the environment, fiscal responsibility, and having a senator you can be proud of, there is a clear choice. Madison Marye is well loved and respected by all those who really know him. We are fortunate to have a politician running who refuses to engage in the negative and ugly tactics that have become so popular with the present opposition. Madison is running out of a sense of duty to the citizens to this part of the state, and is not a prisoner of any special interest or party. Honor, integrity, good manners, and a sense of humor are so much a part of his character that I feel it is a privilege to have a candidate of this caliber. To those who are undecided, I would invite them to study the man and his record.
Glen Mitchell
Blacksburg
Keep Marye in state Senate
Madison Marye has always been a strong supporter of all levels of education - from elementary to university level. His support helped get Edwards Hall built at New River Community College in Dublin. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, he supported restoration of funding for the Cooperative Extension Service, which provides information about crop and animal production, as well as 4-H, family and home programs.
I can understand why wealthy people support the Republican Party, they like the tax breaks they get. The wealthy of this country can make money when we have a depression. I appreciate the good Republicans of this area who have supported Madison Marye because he is a representative of the people who works for our area.
Worth Cox
Hillsville
Education concerns Pat Cupp, too
The important issues facing our communities do not have to be "either/or" choices. Education and crime control are two of the most important functions of our state government. We must have the funding to do both. We do not need to increase taxes, an issue that we all feel strongly about, to achieve the needed funding levels. We need a growing economy from job creation, which will increase our tax base.
The Democrats have made education "their issue." Well, education is a Republican issue, also. Contrary to what a good Democrat would like you to believe, Republicans do care about education. Pat Cupp cares about education.
As our state senator, Pat will work for funding for both education and crime prevention. He will support policies that promote economic growth to help expand our tax base, not our tax rate!
Don Barker
Blacksburg
Pat Cupp has experience for job
Our representatives are facing some tough decisions in Richmond. They will have to tackle the budget, work to reduce crime, find ways to better educate our children and create more jobs. Pat Cupp has experience dealing with issues like these. He is a successful businessman who has created jobs, balanced budgets and made payrolls. He is a dedicated volunteer and has worked with numerous local civic and charitable organizations. He is a strong supporter of Virginia Tech and Radford University. Pat Cupp understands that our area depends on these universities for both quality education and economic development. Our area must have strong representation in the Senate. Pat Cupp will represent us well.
Alan Sherman
Christiansburg
Vote for Shankman as Pulaski prosecutor
I have read with interest letters from former crime victims supporting the re-election of Everett Shockley as Pulaski's commonwealth's attorney. As a victim of crime and as Pulaski County's former victim assistance coordinator, I am pleased that these victims' court experience was satisfying. That said, I endorse Mr. Shockley's election opponent, Byron Shankman.
My experience (both as victim and as professional) and my knowledge of both the criminal justice system and the practices of Shockley's office tell me that his campaign slogan, "A Voice for Victims" is truly ironic. Shockley expresses support for the concept of victims' rights but too many times, I have known him or his assistants to violate the basic standards of victim-sensitive prosecutions. By that, I mean ignoring victims' needs, refusing to meet with victims, failing to return victims' phone calls, humiliating victims in court, forcing victims to prosecute their own cases, instructing magistrates not to issue warrants in some domestic violence cases, and not indicting or dismissing or plea bargaining undesirable cases. To merit prosecutorial vigor in Pulaski, victims must meet one of three criteria: (1) be high-profile, (2) be easily winnable, or (3) be socially and economically "acceptable."
Byron Shankman has assured me that, if elected, he will educate himself and his staff on victim issues, implement victim-sensitive prosecutions, strengthen the office's relationship with community resources, and promote crime prevention. Maybe then, all crime victims will be able to speak of a compassionate and impassioned commonwealth's attorney.
Brenda Conner
Christiansburg
Shockley has made Pulaski safer
Over two years ago, my husband was murdered. That was when I first met Mr. [Pulaski County Commonwealth's Attorney Everett] Shockley. He showed sympathy and understanding for my feelings. He answered my questions without hesitation. I was very impressed with him because as we talked, he looked directly into my eyes.
This man not only knows the law, but he knows people and reads them well. He has made the streets of Pulaski safer. When election time comes, I'm casting my vote for Everett Shockley.
Mrs. Lester Dale Harris
Dublin
Cemetery festival is a new low
I should like to express my dismay at Roselawn Memorial Gardens' Fall Festival, complete with hayrides and pumpkins for children accompanied by an adult.
I have remained silent during years of benign neglect by previous owners as I have with the present owner's earlier "improvements," such as the "blue" mausoleum, the white-painted stone, the picket fence and the white paint encircling almost every tree trunk on the property.
The festival, however, is a new low in poor taste. Those of us with loved ones buried in Roselawn purchased the property with the intent of providing a peaceful, dignified resting place. A fall festival was not what we had in mind.
I encourage every owner of property at Roselawn to call the manager and express his or her opinion.
Danny Huffman
Blacksburg
Linkous committed to the community
A recent letter made an unfortunate personal attack on Larry Linkous and questioned his independence from Gov. George Allen. The writer also mentioned "... the governor's attempts to destroy higher education."
As regards independence, a Sept. 17 article in The Roanoke Times showed that on the 50 most important votes in the 1995 session, Jim Shuler voted with the Democratic Party 96 percent of the time. Jim's obviously not "independent."
As for the claim that Democrats will guarantee more money for higher education, cuts in university budgets began with a Democratic governor, continued with a Republican governor, yet always occurred under a Democratic legislature. If Jim Shuler didn't have the power to stop cuts made by a Democratic legislature, how much influence will he have if the Republicans take control?
Look at Larry Linkous' commitment to our community. Larry grew up here and lives in a farmhouse built by his ancestors 200 years ago. He's built several businesses here. Seeing that the Democratic Party no longer represented the values and welfare of our community, Larry quit the Democrats and became a Republican. That's independence!
Many of us will vote Republican because we, like Larry, feel the Democrats have abandoned us and their policies have created a declining educational system, racial division, broken families, crime and increased welfare rolls.
David McKissack
Christiansburg
Shuler demonstrated leadership, caring
During his first term in the House of Delegates, Jim Shuler has demonstrated his leadership and caring for our area. He spoke out early for restoring funding for higher education and he facilitated hearings and subsequent legislation to permit additional services for the elderly. His colleagues respect his position and his integrity.
His continued presence in the General Assembly is critical for the New River Valley and for independent thought in Richmond. We urge you to support him for re-election in November.
Edward Spencer and Norrine Bailey Spencer
Blacksburg
by CNB