THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 9, 1995 TAG: 9507060212
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 50 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 149 lines
To the members of the Southern Shores Civic Association, I would like to remind you: There are six candidates (not five as stated in the latest newsletter) who have volunteered their services for the five places on the board. The six candidates are Robert Deacon, Belle Lanier, Edward Lawler, Teresa Mullens, Robert Siegel and James Ward.
The letter mentioned age as a criterion for your consideration. I am sure each of the six candidates would prefer to be judged not on any discrimination of age, but on his/her own merits. We are fortunate to have six well-qualified nominees running for the five available positions on the board.
Everyone wants a fair election in Southern Shores. I regret our own newsletter chose to publish a partisan letter just before the election, affording no opportunity for a response from other Civic Association members.
Mary Berntsen
Southern Shores Because 'we say so'?
This letter is in reference to the sandbag article in Wednesday's (June 21) edition of The Virginian-Pilot.
I think Dare County Commissioner Bobby Owens is right on target. Steve Gabriel, the spokesperson for the Division of Coastal Managment, does not state his case effectively. In summary, Mr. Gabriel says the sandbags along the three miles of Route 12 have to be removed six months from the time the road-relocating project begins because ``We say so.'' That answer didn't hold water, no pun intended, when my parents gave it to me as a teenager and it still doesn't. Granted, those were not his exact words, but it is what I gleaned from the article.
To quote Mr. Gabriel, ``Sandbags are temporary protection devices, after the threat has passed they have to be removed - regardless of what protection they may have previously provided.'' Has Mr. Gabriel seen the proximity of the old road to the site for the new Highway 12?
I've lived on Hatteras Island most of my life. I know the threat will always be there. It's a fact of life - life on a barrier island.
The removal of the sandbags can only end up costing the taxpayer more - and more as the ocean begins to threaten the relocated road. Is there something wrong with this picture?
I'm personally in favor of more sandbags in that area. I was always taught an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure.
Eyvonne F. Oden
Hatteras Swimmers lucky
On Wednesday, June 28, I was manning the desk at the Pea Island Visitor Center when a man came running across the ocean dunes. My partner Gary Peeples, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife intern, went out to see what was happening.
The report was that someone was in trouble in the ocean. Without hesitation Gary ran across the road and dunes to see what he could do to help. A family of four was caught in the water. The father had gotten to the two daughters and was attempting to bring them to shore. Gary went out and took one daughter from him. The father and the other daughter got back to shore, while Gary swam back out and rescued the mother.
There are several lessons to be learned here. The first is the family, unfamiliar with the ocean, chose to swim on a red flag day in an unlifeguarded area - a definite no-no all around. They were lucky! If there had been no one on the beach to run for help or no one like Gary at the Visitor Center, the outcome probably would have been far different.
Thank God there are more people in this world like Gary and the unnamed man who both chose to get involved. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude for acting as selflessly as they did.
Bel Pitcher
Nags Head On Colington roads
Thank you for your June 29 article on the new law affecting the roads in Colington Harbour.
However, I find it strange that your reporter only sought comment from one resident.
To clarify for residents reading the article:
1. As reported, property owners said in a survey, by a 3 to 1 majority, that they wanted state and county officers to have jurisdiction to enforce motor laws in Colington Harbour.
2. At a meeting Saturday, March 25, at our clubhouse, which was open to all residents, Representative Culpepper stated he would introduce such a bill, at the request of the Dare County Board of Commissioners.
3. At an open meeting of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, a unanimous vote was given to forward this request to Representative Culpepper.
As all of the above were open to all residents, I don't understand the accusation of ``lack of public opinion'' and ``public-be-damned attitude'' stated in Mr. Buchanan's interview.
Please, let's get all sides of an issue.
M.K. McNamara
Colington Harbour More than jetties
I was taken by surprise (for two seconds) when I was recently accused of being the Republican guy who stands for nothing but putting a pile of rocks into the Atlantic. Such statements call for a review.
Yes, I am a firm supporter of building jetties to stabilize Oregon Inlet, but my party and yours truly stand for other things, including:
Stable county tax base and related fiscal policy
Immediate integration of new citizens who choose to make these wonderful Outer Banks their home
Fair and equal treatment to both out-of-county property owners and those who reside here on a temporary basis.
An open-arms welcome as feasible for those bringing commercial ventures.
Continuous improvement of public and private services to our tourists and other visitors. This includes, among others, improved boat ramps, moorings, bike paths and ocean access.
Protection of the environment but not to the end that ruin our key industry. Our practice must be human as well as bird and animal sensitive.
Full cooperation with federal authorities who control so much of our vital real property. This must be a two-way street especially as to regulations of our fishing industry. Any new and/or unusual protective measures should not be passed without local study.
No more behind-the-door deals. I learned from my Outer Banks ancestors that secret deals carry a price, especially in an open and free democracy.
Approved schools for our young people. Education should be the highest priority but new projects, buildings and equipment should not be politicized.
Political bridges such as the new county complex should be put to voters. Those that pay should say yes or no.
We must get along with each other. Disagreement is part of our form of government. Meanness and petty bickering will never stop completely, but in most cases, they are costly to our taxpayers.
Danny Gray
Chairman
Dare County Republican Party Party meet rewarding
I found it rewarding to attend the June 3, 3rd District Democratic Party Convention at Beaufort County Community College in Washington.
Our Pasquotank County delegation was ably led by chairman Dr. Johnny L. Houston and vice chairwomman Dr. Cecilia Austin. Our other delegates present were Maurice Berry Jr., Helen Muldrow, Mattie Perry, Mary Sharpe and myself.
Despite a difference of opinions at times during our various caucuses to vote on the candidates for office of the 3rd District Executive Committee and the three resolutions presented by the Resolutions Committee, our delegation did display cohesiveness and the camaraderie spirit throughout the convention.
It was disappointing that Gwenn Cruickshanks of Currituck County and Dr. Houston were losing candidates. Also, the resolution in support of fishermen in their fight against restrictive regulations causing adverse economic impact on the fishing industry stood out among the three resolutions, and it passed unanimously!
Frankie Kam
Elizabeth City by CNB