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

DATE: SUNDAY, November 26, 1995                   TAG: 9511270018
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOL BOARD RACE, IN RETROSPECT

I want to thank everyone who voted for me in the Montgomery County School Board race. Although, I ran the closest race out of all the races in Montgomery County, you would not have known that if you were to read the newspapers. We didn't do so badly when you consider that we had to run against a powerful teachers union and all of their tactics. I must say, it was a close race.

I hope that Christiansburg will be properly represented. A couple of facts about Bernard Jortner, who won. His wife teaches in the Montgomery County school system, and the teachers union financially helped with his campaign expenses. We'll have to see if our students, parents, anti-taxpaying citizens will be properly represented.

I also want to thank the News Messenger for getting all the facts right about the School Board race, unlike another newspaper that feels like it needs to take cheap shots at a person's personal religious beliefs, (speaking about mud slinging). It just goes to show where their morals are!

Finally, many have encouraged me to seek office again within the county. I have been doing some serious thinking about it, but my final decision will be based upon my family's support and the demanding schedule of Straight Street. Thanks again!

Robert "Bob" Anderson

Christiansburg

Integration article called inaccurate

In response to the article "It Was A Quiet Day in Floyd" that ran in the Horizon section on Oct. 22, I would like to express my disappointment to the slanted view and inaccuracies of the article.

The black students were not barred from the trips or school dances. There were none. All planned school trips and social activities were canceled! All of us lost those opportunities and were forced to do without normal school activities, not just the black students.

Those interviewed spoke of the tension experienced. This feeling was not exclusive to the few integrating students. Many of us were afraid, not knowing at what moment violence might erupt. We had seen television news reports of other integration efforts and didn't know when those images might become reality for us all.

A major inaccuracy was the caption under the featured picture. That wasn't a picture of June McDaniel since she didn't integrate Check High School. I believe if you check your facts for the story you will find that she attended Floyd High School.

It seems that the facts were much less important than a "sensational" story. We all recall the frightening experience, but the truth still makes a good story.

Diane Hatcher Reynolds, class of 1963

Ethel Weeks Casteel, class of 1962

Christiansburg

by CNB