THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9503310222
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
City Councilman Jim Martin's efforts to make Portsmouth a leader in the move toward regionalization are visionary and should be supported by his fellow city officials.
But disillusionment with regionalism surfaced at a recent City Council meeting when Martin brought it up.
Mayor Gloria Webb said she goes to one or two meetings a month and hears people ``rehash the same old things.'' But nothing ever happens, she said.
Other council members voiced some doubts and some bitterness over the failure of other cities, most especially Virginia Beach, to think regionally.
``Regionalism is not about solving somebody else's problems,'' Councilman Jim Hawks said.
A recent Chamber of Commerce panel discussion in Norfolk certainly was a good example of the contention that talking about regionalism degenerates into threats and tradeoffs between cities.
The negative feelings about regionalism on the Portsmouth council are understandable and valid. But Martin's right. Somebody has got to lead the way.
Basically, most people who get beyond their own noses understand that Hampton Roads must be viewed as one entity if it is going to compete with progressive southeastern cities, most notably Charlotte and the Research Triangle in neighboring North Carolina.
But, even with that certain knowledge, nobody seems to do much more than talk about regionalism.
``Everybody sits around pointing fingers,'' Martin said. ``I want us to step out front and focus on the future.''
He's right. When Mayor Webb - or any other Portsmouth person for that matter - goes to a meeting and nothing happens, she should feel empowered by support from the entire city to try to make something happen.
``I want us to lead the way,'' Martin said.
The first step toward leading the way would be to create a regional policy on economic development. Norfolk and Portsmouth certainly should be the first to form an alliance and Portsmouth should invite that relationship.
Portsmouth has given this region some excellent leaders in years gone by. There's no reason its citizens can't assume that position into the 21st century. by CNB