ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605060108
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
TYPE: LETTERS
Has everyone lost sight of the fact that the "smart" road will only cut six minutes off the commute from Blacksburg to Roanoke?
The smart road is Virginia Tech's invention. I propose that they use the technology to find a faster way to get from one side of the Drillfield to the other without having to drive around that ridiculous circle. I'm sure they could shave about 40 seconds off that commute.
We cannot allow Virginia Tech to use its greedy economic power to dictate what is best for the New River Valley. The smart road will not bring enough jobs to the area to pay for or even equal the devastation of the homes, woods and pastures that grace the Ellett Valley.
Irene L. Lamb
Christiansburg
Christiansburg needs a public pool
For many years, Christiansburg has needed a public swimming pool. Montgomery County's public pool has been closed for almost two years awaiting repairs. Now that we are planning a recreation facility at the old Lowe's building, serious thought should be given to an Olympic size swimming pool there. It would [help] persons who, because of arthritis or other disability, need to exercise in a pool. For people trying to lose weight who find it difficult to get the needed exercise, this would be an excellent way to exercise. This does not even mention the fun and enjoyment our children would be afforded. Someone might even start swimming teams at our local schools.
I hope that all our citizens will see the real value of having such a wonderful facility in our area and join me in urging the Town Council to give this their consideration.
Thomas P. Davis
Christiansburg
Rethink school plans in Montgomery County
I was sorry to read that some members of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors have quickly shown their lack of support for the latest option that the Blacksburg Facility-Use Space Study Committee and the School Board have proposed for Blacksburg Middle School.
After two years of listening to the opinions of hundreds of parents, teachers, administrators, business owners and other concerned citizens, a majority of members on the committee and the School Board thought building a new school on the site and tearing down the existing building would be best academically for the students of Blacksburg and would have the most community support.
It's sad that some members of our Board of Supervisors seem to make their decisions concerning the future of our schools and young people's education before hearing the justification and basis for a proposal such as this. Do they really oppose building a new school on the current site or are they just against tearing down the old building? Do they understand the disruption to the educational process that will take place during renovation and addition to that school? Do they really have the best interest of the students in mind?
If this proposal is not so good, then let the voters decide that in a referendum in November.
Chris Wakley
McCoy, FUSS Committee Member
Pulaski candidates get endorsement
The citizens of Pulaski have a rare opportunity to elect four candidates to the Town Council who are experienced in business and financial administration and will apply their background and their energies to the needs of the town's citizens.
They are longtime citizens or natives of Pulaski interested in economic progress, financial stability and quality of life. Through earlier public service, business, church and community, they have demonstrated their commitment to honest, nonpartisan representation.
I recommend the following candidates: Roy D'Ardenne, John Johnston, Jim Neblett and Charles Stewart. They will complement the efforts of the incumbent members of council in continuing to make Pulaski a good place to live, work, play, and in my case, to remain following retirement.
Robert B. "Bob" Kilgore
Pulaski
Mitchell gets plug for council seat
Polly Mitchell is an extremely viable candidate for the Pulaski Town Council who would serve citizens well.
She has lived in Pulaski all her life and knows the citizens and the area quite well. She listens intently to concerns of every person and makes decisions based on what she deems to be in the best interests of the citizens.
She is scrupulously honest. She will also be conscientious about attending council meetings to voice citizen concerns.
She is energetic and enthusiastic and will show perseverance in getting things done for the welfare of the town.
She has participated in community and civic affairs as an active member of First United Methodist Church, a charter member of Pulaski Humane Society and a member of the Committee for Cleaner Pulaski-Pulaski County.
Doris Dula
Pulaski
Importance of parks emphasized
I would like to thank the citizens and the Christiansburg Town Council for their concern and action in revising the Parks and Recreation Building plans. Special thanks to Bob Hockett for pointing out problems and dangers in the first plan. With this revised layout, I feel we can better meet future recreational demands.
I urge voters to get out and vote in the town election Tuesday so that you can be heard on this and other matters. It is important to address the recreation problems now so that later we are not faced with the decision of building more prisons.
In short, there is much that needs to be done for the parks and recreation plans to proceed. The plan is in place and sites such as the one on Wades Lane can be easily turned into softball fields, soccer fields, play areas and picnic areas with only volunteer labor and fund raising. It can be done! I had the pleasure of working on the Pembroke Treasure Island Park which was a volunteer project. Both skilled and unskilled workers raised the playground in only five days. Please urge your council person to step up the Wades Lane project.
Clara Sowers
Christiansburg
Hockett good for Christiansburg
Bob Hockett has a vision to make Christiansburg a better place to live. Bob sees a time when there will be appropriate recreational opportunities and facilities for people across their lifespan, when there will be a long-term plan for the visual enhancement of our town, when we will communicate more effectively due to technological advances, when there will be improved cooperation with local universities and municipalities, and when real estate tax advantages for older residents can be considered.
Another important ingredient in Bob Hockett's vision is increased citizen input into decisions made by the Christiansburg Town Council. I know Bob as an intelligent, innovative, and highly motivated person who knows how to turn a vision into reality. I urge you to join me in voting for Bob Hockett for the Christiansburg Town Council on Tuesday.
Janette K. Newhouse
Christiansburg
Radford therapist lauded, thanked
I was recently hospitalized at Radford Community Hospital for a heart attack. Upon being released I went through the six-week cardiac rehabilitation program they recommended. This program taught me a great deal, not only how to properly exercise, but also about good nutrition and relaxation techniques.
There are several people who helped me during each session. However, there is one in particular who should be highly commended: Elsie McCombs. Her vast knowledge in this field is very obvious after only a few sessions.
However, she has one greater asset. She loves her job, loves working with people and above all goes the "extra mile" to do anything she can to help each individual. I'd like to say a big "thank you" for everything you did for me.
I hope the hospital realizes and appreciates what a unique and caring person Elsie is. They should definitely count her as one of their assets.
Bobby W. Lytton
Radford
LENGTH: Long : 150 linesby CNB