ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 7, 1996 TAG: 9608070005
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
I WAS very pleased that Roanoke City Council approved the ``Keep the Star White'' campaign for a trial period, Sept. 1 through Dec 1. This involves turning the Mill Mountain Star from white to red for 24 hours every time an alcohol- or drug-related traffic death occurs in the region.
This certainly is a public-awareness tool. I believe all of us would like to see the star burn white all the time. But when we see it burn red, we will know that someone has been killed senselessly, and an innocent family has been changed forever.
I truly hope City Council will continue this practice permanently. No one can tell how many lives will be saved. MARY HARTSELL TROUTVILLE
Journalists have a credibility problem
JOE KLEIN, the Newsweek columnist, who as ``Anonymous'' wrote ``Primary Colors,'' is a liar. Newsweek editor Maynard Parker is worse than a liar. (But I don't know what that could be.)
What does this say about Newsweek, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Roanoke Times? Journalists in general?
St. Augustine said on lying: ``When regard for truths has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful.'' MIKE LINDSEY RURAL RETREAT
Beer laws have become a farce
IT APPEARS that Bonnie Kitts' life was worth $1,000 - maybe less - judging by the ``punishment'' meted out to the owner of the Riverside Quickette (July 31 article, ``Quickette's beer license suspended for month'').
What a farce our laws have become! The outcome of this tragic case is quite enough to make one very ill - and pretty damned angry. CHARLES S. WERTALIK ROANOKE
City's future is now the focus
ON JULY 19, the new Roanoke City Council met to discuss members' ideas of a vision for Roanoke, and soon everyone will have an opportunity to participate in determining goals to accomplish the vision. Roanoke County has already developed its vision and is moving forward.
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce supports the development of a vision, measurable goals, strategies and consensus-building by local governments. We think it is essential for our region's future. Elected officials who are driving the process to accomplish this should be supported by the community.
The city's vision should give a sense of what we want Roanoke to look like, feel like and be like - the big picture. Goals are what we need to achieve to get to our vision. By strategies, we mean ways to get where we want to be, and actions we should take. By consensus, we basically mean what most people would support. Consensus for the vision and goals is very important.
Alan Kay of Apple Computer said, ``The best way to create the future is to invent it.'' Rob Glenn Jr., board chairman of the regional chamber, said in a recent presentation to City Council that leadership requires changing the ``business as usual'' climate. Taxpayers expect quality services at a lower cost from all levels of government, just as they expect quality products and services from business. Vision, goals, strategies and consensus-building can help us to achieve that.
The regional chamber applauds Roanoke City Council's efforts to involve the community in developing a vision and goals. Our region is blessed with outstanding talent and resources, but we need to focus our energies and dollars so they will have the greatest positive impact for today and the future. JOHN M. STROUD President, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce ROANOKE
Pat Fuller proves the power of prayer
PAT FULLER, first lady of Roanoke, has given us another spring.
For seven months, she has battled an illness, and been down - but not out. The job she had to perform was one no one could do for her, with her or in her place.
Friends prayed, sent cards and notes of encouragement, called, took meals, and asked every deacon they happened across about her. She was never far from our thoughts.
In one of our most humid months - July - we got a breath of a second spring. Dr. Charles Fuller, pastor at First Baptist Church, announced to his congregation: ``For seven months, there has been a vacant seat in the back, but, praise God, this morning it is filled!'' All heads turned, and everyone stood up in joy and respect. They clapped and came as close to shouting as those reserved folks ever had. For sitting at the back of the church was, indeed, the beautiful blonde breath of spring - pale and weak, but present. Her lovely countenance carried many through the remainder of the day.
I'm not sure what the sermon was about that morning, but Pat Fuller's presence gave us all assurance of the value of prayer. She delivered that sermon.
Yes, spring has come again this year - at least at First Baptist Church. DONNA GARRETT ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 93 linesby CNB