ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, June 25, 1996 TAG: 9606250027
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
I RECENTLY attended my brother's graduation. As nice as it was, I couldn't help but be bothered by the absence of one thing - a prayer.
Every graduation I had attended until this year had begun with a prayer. The students involved in this ceremony didn't pray, not because they didn't want to or because they didn't believe in God, but because of the threat of their school being sued.
I believe prayer at any ceremony is the most important thing you can do. Do those against it think just because they have all but abolished prayer that God isn't present anyway? They may keep out an oral prayer, but they will never keep God out. He was with every person who whispered a silent prayer, and it's those people he will remember when things get rough.
The unbelief of a few shouldn't interfere with the belief of many. This country was born with God. It will die without him.
MICHAEL FOSTER
BLUE RIDGE
Keeping teachers in Franklin County
I RETIRED from teaching this past year after 30 years of service - the last eight years in the Franklin County school system. I remember some months ago the school superintendent's concern over teachers leaving Franklin County for better paying teaching jobs elsewhere. The more I thought about that the more I felt obligated to reply.
I feel that his concern is only part of the solution that needs to be dealt with. The question that must be addressed at this point is: Where does the buck stop as far as teacher salaries are concerned?
I'm in favor of school superintendents being promoted from within the system, as Roanoke County seems to favor. As we all know, Frank Tota came to this area from New York, as did Franklin County Superintendent Leonard Gereau.
In my opinion, replacing the top two administrative positions in the Franklin County school system would result in better teacher morale, eventually students' higher test scores and very soon a more competitive pay scale for teachers. All of these would help stem the tide of teachers leaving the school system for one reason or another, and place Franklin County up near the top of excellence where it can and should be!
DON EDMUNDS
ROANOKE
Goal is to improve treasurer's office
IN RESPONSE to your June 14 article, ``New treasurer won't take job for granted'':
On June 3, Roanoke City Council unanimously appointed me city treasurer. Certainly this is a highlight of my career, and one I'm very excited about.
The article referenced past elections that I had participated in for the office of commissioner of revenue. I wish to clarify. In 1997, I intend to run only for city treasurer. My goals are to improve customer service and look at various ways citizens can make payment for taxes and other fees.
As city treasurer, I look forward to serving the needs of the citizens, and ask for your support in this endeavor.
DAVID C. ANDERSON
Roanoke city treasurer
ROANOKE
Take on owners of other offbeat pets
I KNOW a lot of people don't like animals, but for those of us who do I'd like to comment on the potbellied pigs (June 18 article, ``Judge says pigs can't stay in Vinton'').
So, the potbellied pigs made the news on television and on the front page of The Roanoke Times! I guess their death will make the news, too. Is everybody happy?
Now that the judge's ruling has hurt the Saunders family, let's go for owners of snakes and iguanas. Their pets don't need to live in homes either. What's the difference? A tank, maybe?
GLORIA J. MOWBRAY
ROANOKE
Can Hillary Clinton do no right?
HEY! Psst! I learned some bad news about First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Do you know she breathes? Just think about it. Every time she takes a breath, she's depriving some poor soul on this planet oxygen. How selfish. Oh well, consider the source, and try to forgive.
EDITH L. MARTIN
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 86 linesby CNB