THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508290097
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Councilman Paul Riddick was right on target when he stated, ``This administration has neglected 40 percent of the city's population ... if this administration is not sensitive, then I and the black community will find ways to make you sensitive.''
I applaud Councilman Riddick's statements and ask reasonable and fair-minded citizens of Norfolk to look at the city administration's record and that of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Under the guise of redevelopment and slum removal, the NRHA, with federal and state funds, has displaced black homeowners from neighborhoods like Atlantic City, East Ghent and every decent black section of Norfolk. So successful have their efforts been that the NRHA is now removing blacks and whites from the Ocean View area for upscale housing. What a despicable shame.
Using federal block grant funds and with the city's blessings, the NRHA buys properties, then dictates the use of the property. Case in point: the Marshall Manor site. Councilman Riddick favors developing upper income housing for blacks. Is such housing needed? Yes!
The NRHA wants to use Marshall Manor as an industrial site. If this is not insensitive to the needs of Norfolk's citizens of color, then what is?
When Councilman Phillips walked out as Councilman Riddick spoke, he acted as a loser who cannot face the truth, and this most discourteous act should not be forgotten by reasonable citizens of Norfolk. Shaking hands and saying on return, ``We're still friends, Paul, although we'll always disagree,'' is too little too late.
Afterward, Phillips described what Riddick had said as ``ridiculous and racist.'' Phillips said he was angry that no other council members had taken Riddick on directly. Why does Mr. Phillips need other councilmen to disprove the administration's record of ignoring the needs of the black community?
Until elected officials are willing to face the truth and admit their guilt, then confrontational styles are needed.
Joseph H. Rose
Elon Court
I must admit I am so encouraged to see Norfolk's vice mayor, Paul Riddick, engaging in more of his usual buffoonery and bombast at City Hall. His remarks that the city neglects 40 percent of its population and that he ``and the black community will find ways to make you sensitive'' sound like more of the same tired intimidation and threats that decent people are becoming more and more irritated at hearing.
Such contemptible displays by a councilman only serve to exacerbate animosities and tensions between citizens. His resignation should be demanded by his fellow councilmen, his constituents and the people of Norfolk.
Ron Di Rocco
East Ocean View In support of Wright
So Al Teich's paid professional letter writer, S. Catron, claims that Randy Wright isn't qualified for the position of Clerk of the Court. Mr. Teich would have us believe that you have to be a lawyer to be the Clerk of the Court.
I checked into the claim and was very surprised to find an interesting fact position of Clerk of the Court. In fact, there are only three lawyers in the entire state who are Clerk of the Court. It would appear to this voter that the overwhelming majority of Virginia Clerks of the Court are not lawyers.
I don't like to be told what to think by Mr. Teich's paid professional consultant letter writers and intend to let those feelings be known on Election Day. My vote will be for Randy Wright, an honest man who has been very visible and accessible in our community for as long as I can remember.
Tom Mason
11th Bay Street by CNB