ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 7, 1996 TAG: 9602070004
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
REGARDING the development of Bedford County:
I have seen many houses go up, and farms go up for sale. Some of my favorite fields have become subdvisions. To be honest, it's disturbing.
I urge people not to sell their farms to developers. We should realize that our rural way of life is worth more than money. I like the people who have moved to our county, but the thought of more coming threatens me.
I'm afraid Bedford County is headed the way of Roanoke County. There are subdivisions everywhere, houses are built on top of each other, and even the mountains are mired in a muck of houses. To me, Roanoke County is no longer beautiful. Let us not sell Bedford County in the name of development.
Most all of those I know who have moved to Bedford County say they have moved here because of the natural beauty. Does anyone realize that with each new suburb we lose a little of that attraction?
We cannot fully stop the growth, but we can control it. Designating places as greenways and perhaps even passing dreaded zoning laws are the answer. We must not lose our rural charm.
ERIN BOYD ASHWELL
HUDDLESTON
Privacy is an issue in VMI case
YOUR JAN. 19 editorial, ``The court, the state and VMI,'' and countless news items and letters to the editor have listed all except one of the pros and cons of the argument.
I hope the U.S. Supreme Court will consider it. It relates, I believe, to privacy or to the right, at times, to be left alone, i.e., to have a sanctuary where one can contemplate without outside distractions.
Why cannot the state support schools for men only and schools for women only? The state already maintains separate restrooms in all public buildings. There are some things people do best alone, such as bathing, studying or contemplating.
We were introduced early in life to contemplating alone when our mothers sent us to our rooms if we misbehaved. There were other times in our lives when we needed to retreat to a sanctuary just to get away. Why not have a separate room, school or club to give people a choice? There are advantages, i.e., absence makes the heart grow fonder. Familiarity breeds contempt, etc. Separate or coed schools should be no more expensive if managed properly.
DAN H. PLETTA
BLACKSBURG
Good Neighbors Fund meets crises
ON BEHALF of Roanoke Area Ministries, I want to thank the citizens of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas for their generous response to the Good Neighbors Fund. Once again, local residents have demonstrated a caring, compassionate attitude toward their neighbors.
I also want to thank The Roanoke Times for its continued support of this project. It has set a wonderful example for others to follow by encouraging people to work in a cooperative effort for the common good of those less fortunate.
RAM was established 27 years ago as an ecumenical ministry whose major mission is to assist needy citizens with emergency financial aid. During 1995, we offered assistance to approximately 3,000 individuals and families who found themselves in crises. Monies raised through the fund are used strictly for emergency outreach services. Because of the generosity of our community, we'll be able to offer help at the same level in 1996.
We're extremely grateful to each Good Neighbor Fund participant. Their expressions of support will truly make a difference in the lives of many disadvantaged citizens living in our community.
WENDY W. MOORE
Executive Directoro
Roanoke Area Ministries
ROANOKE
City officials shirked their responsibility
I HAVE been amazed and appalled by certain circumstances surrounding the recent tragic fire in Roanoke.
It appears that numerous rules and regulations in place have been blatantly ignored. Let us not forget that protecting human life is the reason such requirements exist.
It's bad enough when landlords disregard such things to turn a profit, but for government agencies to shirk their responsibilities? It's downright criminal!
Now is the time to begin enforcing rules, and to hold violators accountable. Put teeth and muscle where it should have been all along.
No, let us not forget what happened here.
LORI BRANNIGAN
CHRISTIANSBURG
LENGTH: Medium: 89 linesby CNB