THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 5, 1995 TAG: 9502030202
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
The demise of the 30-year-old Federation of Civic Leagues probably was inevitable in this era of great dissent.
And, although it is sad to see a once-vital organization disintegrate, the death of this group leaves the way open for a new organization that truly represents a cross-section of citizens willing to work for the common good.
The federation was organized by civic organizations with a specific goal of working together toward common goals and was a broad-based open group. It had deteriorated in recent years, both in numbers and in demeanor. It lost its clout when it became mired in dissent.
Just as the federation became an adversarial group, civic leagues have in many cases adopted the stance of pressure groups seeking more what is good for one small group rather than what would benefit the entire city.
Yet most neighborhoods in Portsmouth, diverse in many ways, also have many common problems and goals. An umbrella organization helps them understand each other and work toward compromise to benefit the total community.
Although people seem to focus more on the fight than on the results and the consequences, there still are many good citizens of Portsmouth who would like to see a concensus-building group aimed at pushing the city forward.
Who will step up and take the leadership? by CNB