ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 11, 1996 TAG: 9604110005
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
I RELOCATED from the Washington, D.C., area to Roanoke County almost three years ago after considerable research, but in large part because of my belief that Roanokers value quality public education. Unfortunately for my children and me, it looks like this may have been a poor decision.
Make no mistake about it, problems that existed before the failed referendum on the bond issue are still with us. They won't go away because of the ill-informed, regressive-minded, me-first attitudes of voters who voted no, reflected in your April 3 article (``Voters reject school bond'').
What I found interesting about the debate was the diversity of the objections to the bond issue. Surely, an education referendum wasn't defeated because of dissatisfaction with local government. This isn't the forum for such a remedy. It couldn't be higher taxes because the annual total is less than a carton of cigarettes for most of us.
And jealousy of Southwest County residents? Come on now! Have you been to the Cave Spring schools? In the end, it will cost county taxpayers much more money, and the risk, in the interim, is that people like me and companies bringing quality employment to the valley may look elsewhere.
Ironically, I was asked recently whether I had a sense of animosity against the other county jurisdictions. After I thought about it, I concluded that if I were to vote tomorrow on a similar referendum, but with a school needed in Catawba, Hollins or Vinton, I'd vote for it. That's because, in the final analysis, the children are the only real losers.
BILL FLESHMAN
ROANOKE
Carroll Swain runs a positive campaign
I AM WRITING to say thank you to Carroll Swain for being a candidate for Roanoke City Council.
With all we hear about negatives in politics these days, I think it's great that he's taking the time to talk about positive things for our city.
Swain is very interested in our seniors and our young people, and is concerned about the quality of life in our community.
He's straightforward and honest. We need such men in leadership positions in our city, and I will vote for him.
EDWARD T. BURTON
ROANOKE
Ignoring residents' need for walkways
IN RESPONSE to your March 23 news article, ``Red tape where curb isn't'':
I think it's a crime and a sin that Geneva and William Johnson had to endure such inconsiderate and self-absorbed attitudes from our city officials for as many years as they did - years without sidewalks or curbing. The city's chief engineer had nothing but excuses and rationalizations for the city's inaction, and the engineering office is obviously a web of incompetence.
It also seems odd that $7 million can be found and spent on the Market Walkway, which is mainly used by tourists, but city residents who pay taxes yearly can't get a sidewalk to walk on to the store or to catch a bus.
The article also indicated that only one improvement is slated for Southeast Roanoke. I hope it's for the Jamestown Housing community whose residents have to walk over a rain-swollen creek on a board to go to the Food Lion for their groceries.
Come on, Roanoke officials, stop with your self-centered and self-indulgent ``pet'' projects and start supporting city residents who put you in office. Roanoke city is getting ready to go into the 21st century, so let's act like it. Dirt roads and dirt pathways are a throwback to the 18th century.
ARTHUR J. WICKER III
ROANOKE
Education should be No. 1 priority
I CANNOT believe that I went so far as to move to the county and put up with their ridiculous water bills just to give my children the best education I thought I possibly could in the Roanoke area. Roanoke city schools were nothing less than a nightmare of lethargic teachers and an inept, uncaring School Board.
Now I've been notified that after almost a month of time off for snow days, the county School Board has decided it needs a vacation, and will give teachers another week of paid vacation. It's obvious this state doesn't feel that educating children is as important as pleasing teachers' unions. For that reason, I've decided before the end of this year to move to another state where my children can finally get a proper education from teachers and school administrations more interested in children than getting a tan.
GEORGE HICKS
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 86 linesby CNB