THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 13, 1995 TAG: 9507120009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
For several years, police officers have been put on the back burner as far as priorities go with Virginia Beach City Council. It is about time that we address the situation.
After all the expense of training these officers, we seem to be losing them to other cities or federal agencies. This adds to the already high tax burden the average citizen faces.
When my life is being threatened, I don't want the officer on the scene to start second-guessing whether he is being paid enough or not. Every day they put their lives on the line, or are ready to do so. We should be as committed to them as they are to us.
The obstacles to progress in this area are the associations that represent these fine public servants. In the past three elections they have endorsed candidates who, when addressing the particular groups aforementioned, promised said groups that such discrepancies would be remedied. However, after these candidates were elected promises became rhetoric; and everyone knows a politician can't be held to his word.
The rank and file in these associations should shake up this process of giving endorsements to the candidates running for office. When the '96 election rolls around, we should remember past elections. Before endorsing a candidate, we should find out if he/she is committed to the well-being of the citizens of Virginia Beach.
NATHAN ROHR
Virginia Beach, June 30, 1995
HIDECIBEL(AT)aol.com by CNB