ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 13, 1996 TAG: 9603130031
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
YOUR MARCH 7 article, ``Warner-Miller debate canceled,'' was way off the mark. Let's get it right: The only person standing in the way of debates in the campaign for the Republican Senate nomination is the incumbent, not Jim Miller.
Contrary to the article's assertion that Miller made ``a last-minute list of demands'' for more debates, Miller had insisted on more debates for more than a month, supporting the Republican State Central Committee's request for a debate in each of Virginia's 11 congressional districts. John Warner's campaign handlers refused to even discuss the matter. We provided your newspaper with information to this effect.
On Monday, with time running out before the scheduled March 8 debate to be sponsored by the Virginia Federation of Republican Women at the College of William and Mary, Miller offered a serious compromise: He would take part in the VFRW debate if Warner would agree in advance to future debates in each of Virginia's major media markets. And Warner could pick the dates. We informed your newspaper of this, too.
Warner rejected the compromise out of hand, and the VFRW - to Miller's regret - precipitously canceled its debate.
As Miller said publicly, he objected to a single VFRW event so far in advance of the June 11 primary because it presented Warner - fighting for his political life - with the excuse he so desperately needed to avoid future, timely debates on issues of concern to Virginia voters.
Warner's refusal to commit to future debates and his studied resistance to every other debate opportunity clearly demonstrate his intention to deny Virginians an adequate opportunity to hear the candidates and make an informed political decision.
We hope a better understanding of developments in this campaign can be established, and misleading articles can be avoided in the future.
BILL KLING
News secretary, Jim Miller for Senate
FALLS CHURCH
Public should judge judicial nominees
IT WAS very disappointing to see the Democratic majority in the House of Delegates play partisan politics in selecting state judges. Whenever judges are selected, all delegates ought to emphasize merit instead of political party.
The media could encourage General Assembly members to focus on merit, by informing the public about the qualifications of the judgeship candidates. Let the public see if our legislators are choosing our judges on the grounds of merit, as they should, or for political reasons that corrupt the process.
Give us the candidates' names for each of the judgeships in the area served by your newspaper, and tell us about their qualifications. The public has a right to know, and ought to be informed.
SHIRLEY W. COOK
RADFORD
Don't let peeves penalize schools
ROANOKE County's plan to issue bonds to build schools is the method local governments throughout the United States have traditionally used to fund needed construction projects. This precedent has been well-established.
Northside High School needs a gym/auditorium; Glenvar Middle School, Glenvar High School and Mount Pleasant Elementary all need additions; a new high school is needed in Southwest County; and William Byrd Middle School and Oak Grove Elementary need architectural and engineering improvements. All the schools need updated computer equipment so our graduates will be prepared to take jobs and/or attend institutions of higher education that require computer skills.
If a voter has a complaint with another department of the county's government, please don't take it out on the schools and not vote for the bond issue! Rather, take the issue up with your supervisor and/or the department. Our schools are hurting now, and a delay in providing the needed construction will only result in greater costs later and a hardship on students who are now in our schools.
GILLIAM M. LEWIS
ROANOKE
Lottery operates legally and ethically
I WAS appalled at your Jan. 24 editorial (``A game not worth the gamble'') attacking the Virginia Lottery. To compare it with the mafia, prostitution and drug rings was unnecessary, inappropriate and totally inaccurate. The Virginia Lottery is a fully legalized enterprise that was voted on and approved by the citizens of Virginia. The other groups are all illegal in this state.
I've lived in Roanoke for more than 40 years and have been employed by several well-respected businesses in this area. I consider myself to be both a professional and a highly ethical person. And I've always endeavored to instill these qualities in the people with whom I've worked, including the employees of the Virginia Lottery in the Roanoke area.
I realize that The Roanoke Times has never been a supporter of the lottery in Virginia. I respect your right to have your opinion. However, there are professional individuals working for the Virginia Lottery who live in the area. We've been successful in ensuring that it is operated within the traditions and ideals of the commonwealth. We'd like to be respected for what we've accomplished and how it has been accomplished.
MARK R. MERRITT
Roanoke regional sales manager
Virginia Lottery
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Long : 101 linesby CNB