ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 1997 TAG: 9702260019
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
City's future linked to public schools
WE ARE concerned to read of the proposed tax cuts supported by some members of Roanoke City Council (Jan. 22 and Feb. 7 news articles, ``Property tax rate may be cut'' and ``Roanoke tax cut OK with retirees''). We're parents and taxpayers in the city, and are very distressed at what this proposed decrease in taxes could mean to the schools.
One strength the city has to those who live here, or to those who may be considering making their home here, is the quality of the schools. A strong city school system, with the many and varied options now available, is a real drawing card to new businesses and homeowners. While the school system is very good, many needs will not be met if the tax rate is decreased.
The quality of the schools needs to be the concern of all city taxpayers. The quality of education has a direct effect on the quality of persons available to fill jobs in the business community. It will be a consideration for our young people when the time comes for them to decide on their own children's education.
If the city wants to be a contender in the 21st century, we must strive to make our schools the best. Now isn't the time for a tax-rate cut.
CINDY MOHR
President, Fishburn Park Magnet School
Parent-Teacher Association Board
ROANOKE
Editor's note: This letter was signed by 20 other parents.
Funds will benefit senator's ambitions
SEN. FRED Thompson, R-Tenn., has requested a minimum of $6.5 million of taxpayers' money to look into alleged campaign-finance abuses. This includes approximately $5 million for 80 employees (many outside lawyers) and $375,000 for what is commonly known as boondoggles (domestic and foreign travel).
Taxpayers' main concerns about crime, pollution, education, employment, etc., will not be addressed for our $6.5 million contribution.
However, this will be ex-Hollywood actor Thompson's biggest role, the objective of which isn't an Oscar but to get a leg up on the presidency. In light of this, couldn't our $6.5 million be termed a campaign contribution?
SANFORD GROSS
CHRISTIANSBURG
Battling for justice in insurance cases
YOUR NEWSPAPER reported (Feb. 4 Business news article, ``Insurance chief sees need for legal fee reform'') that the president of Cincinnati Financial Corp. urged that lawyers be prohibited from taking cases on a contingent fee. He never mentioned a word about cases having been tried on the facts and law before a court or jury, or that those insured had been found negligent, causing damages to others who were without fault. These suits should have been settled before trial for much less cost to both sides.
Do you wonder why insurance companies take out full-page ads in newspapers and magazines trying to persuade the public that it should be against the law for an attorney's fee to be paid from the proceeds of any part of a judgment? The answer is obvious. A large percentage of those insured cannot afford to pay an attorney to bring suit against the insurance company, and many don't want to pay for extended litigation unless they're sure they're going to get something out of it. Where else should the money come from other than from the judgment?
The reason these cases aren't settled is that insurance companies stonewall legitimate claims, and poor customers who have paid insurance premiums for many years, thinking they are protected against the claims of others, find out that two lawsuits are staring them in the face when an accident occurs: one by the person injured and the other against their insurance company for breach of contract.
Wouldn't it be refreshing to see a doctor and have him tell you what he will charge you for a cure, and in case he doesn't succeed that you owe him nothing?
It would also be nice if insurance companies would present you with a contract of insurance that you can understand. Not all insurance companies do.
THOMPSON C. BOWEN JR.
Attorney
TAZEWELL
Other professionals also have beefs
I HAVE read with interest the many letters written in response to the Jan. 25 letter to the editor by Douglas Chandler Graham, ``Teachers: quit griping or just quit.''
Do teachers feel that they are the only professionals who work extra hours, take work home, buy work materials out of their own pockets, share a bathroom, use a copier that breaks down every week, etc.? Oh, and they have a lounge?
I agree that teachers deserve respect, but no more or no less than other hard workers in all professions.
I think it would be smart to try and be happy in our chosen professions. If we're not, change professions!
SARAH M. GRUBB
SALEM
LENGTH: Medium: 95 linesby CNB