ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, June 18, 1996 TAG: 9606180060
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN R. HUFFMAN
REGARDING your June 2 news article (``Annexation issue divides Catawba'') concerning the citizen-initiated proposed annexation to the city of Salem:
I find it ironic that your newspaper decided to focus on our organization, the Catawba Coalition of Civic Leagues and Community Leaders, and allude to dissension in our ranks when in fact it was Salem officials who failed to keep their commitment to the public.
Our organization didn't initiate this annexation movement. But once we saw that it would become a crucial issue facing the Catawba district, we were determined to make a wholehearted effort to get the facts before the public. We felt that we could play a more important role by remaining impartial and trying to notify the public as to what this annexation entailed so residents could make an informed decision as best as is possible.
Our organization didn't choose to endorse or oppose this annexation movement. We did our job.
The meeting place was selected, guest speakers were invited, notices were sent to the citizenry and the media were informed concerning the proposed forum. We couldn't help it that Salem city officials decided at the 11th hour to back out.
Before agreeing to attend this forum, these Salem officials should have contacted their attorney concerning any possible conflict of interest. They should have gotten their act together before making promises to the public they couldn't keep.
A credibility problem lies not with the Catawba Coalition of Civic Leagues and Community Leaders, which has been in existence for only a few months, but instead with a well-established government that should have known better.
But perhaps it was best that Salem officials backed out when they did rather than pulling the rug out from underneath concerned citizens at a later date. Residents might have put a great deal of their time and money into this movement only to find out later on that Salem officials had changed their minds.
I think Salem officials not only owe an apology to the coalition but, more importantly, to residents of the Catawba district.
John R. Huffman of Salem is executive vice president of the Catawba Coalition of Civic Leagues and Community Leaders.
LENGTH: Medium: 53 linesby CNB