THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508170144
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Switch to wards is not yet `a done deal' in Virginia Beach - and shouldn't be
I take exception to the headline ``Beach council okays schedule for shift to new borough system'' (Virginian-Pilot, Aug. 2). Reporter Karen Weintraub's story was accurate. The headline, though, led readers to believe that wards are a done deal.
They aren't. Council merely authorized another advisory referendum. The question is: Should all 11 members of council continue to be elected ``at-large'' or should seven of the 11 be elected from ``wards''?
I prefer the present at-large plan. I prefer voting for or against all 11 councilpersons. It ensures a representative and a responsible council. It gives me 55 percent more say in our local government than the ward plan would give me. In other words, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
My concerns are:
Will council appropriate enough money to educate the voters on what they will be gaining or losing by changing the prerequisites for council?
Will the Justice Department approve of eliminating a system which allows blacks to be elected to council in a predominantly white city? We don't need to be portrayed as racists.
How much will consultant fees be to set up the referendum?
How much maintain the ward plan annually vs. the cost of the current plan?
Do voters know that council is currently elected at-large and that at-large elections are the only way to ensure one man/one vote?
These are but a few of my questions. Others deserve the right to have their questions answered also. Unfortunately, while free media are willing, they can't be depended upon to do the job. That leaves paid media to do the job if it's going to be done.
So, come on, council: Budget money to educate your people.
John T. Atkinson
West Landing Road MEMO: Mr. Atkinson is treasurer of Virginia Beach. by CNB