THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 26, 1995 TAG: 9503240191
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
I'm writing in reference to an article appearing in the March 3 Clipper. It described a fire that destroyed two historic outbuildings on an old plantation site in the Western Branch area. Thank goodness, the main house survived unscathed.
After reading the article, however, it appears that after standing for more than 300 years, the Bruce-Speers House's continued survival may be in serious doubt. Bill Hearring, the real estate developer who just bought the property, didn't seem particularly concerned whether the building would be restored or torn down to make way for a new dwelling.
``I'd like to find some way to make use of the house, but that might not be possible,'' he is quoted as saying.
Chesapeake's historic homes are few and far between. When you buy one of these scarce surviving structures, you have an important responsibility to see that the building is indeed preserved for future generations to continue to enjoy and learn from.
As owner of a much younger Chesapeake home built in 1792, my family intends to see that it does just that. Looking beyond what may be profitable, we hope Mr. Hearring will do what is right and proper and see that the house continues to stand for another 300 years.
Robert and Maria Parker
Battlefield Boulevard South Rich ex-cons
The suggestion by the writer of the editorial ``Putting inmates to work,'' (The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, March 15) that net proceeds of an hourly wage be invested in mutual funds is excellent.
This proposal foresees the eventual release from prison of a law-abiding citizen with much to lose from society's lawless elements. But sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years are much too long to accomplish such a laudable purpose.
Both aims can be accomplished in double-quick time and will enable even minor offenders the right to emerge from prison with substantial sums of money.
Readers familiar with crime reporting have learned minor offenders are repeat offenders and, as such, cost society immense sums of money when repeatedly incarcerated.
My proposal requires prisoners be paid one penny for the first day's wage and that the wage be doubled each day thereafter for the first 30 days of service.
If the aim is to truly return to society citizens with an interest in being law-abiding partners of that society my proposal will accomplish more in 30 days than all the compounding the editorial writer finds intoxicating.
Ernest F. Brede
Gibson Drive Friend to non-smokers
On behalf of the Virginia Group to Alleviate Smoking in Public (GASP), I would like to thank Del. Lionell Spruill Sr. for aggressively supporting legislation to protect non-smokers.
He has vocally supported bills in the last two sessions to strengthen the Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act and to limit youth access to tobacco.
While it has been most frustrating to see the legislature continue to coddle the greedy drug pushers from the tobacco industry, it is heartening to see Del. Spruill take a courageous stand.
He richly deserves to be re-elected this November.
Hilton Oliver
President
Virginia GASP
Virginia Beach by CNB