THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508290099
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 106 lines
As a senior at Norview High School, I plan to support my neighbor, Dimitrios Rerras, for the state Senate. Dimitrios supports the type of programs that are needed in the schools, like higher academic standards, policies to make our schools safer and more local control.
His opponent, Stanley Walker, has been in the state Senate for over 30 years, yet our educational system continues to have many problems. Stanley Walker voted against allowing schools to notify parents when students are suspected of drug and alcohol abuse. This type of representation does not make sense. Stanley Walker apparently does not seem to understand that drug abuse is steadily taking over our schools and that parents must be notified so that this problem can be resolved. Dimitrios Rerras strongly supports parental involvement.
Mr. Walker also voted against strengthening the higher academic standards. Yet, the American Federation of Teachers recently stated that Virginia's new academic standards were some of the best in the country. It seems that Mr. Walker is voting for what he wants and not for what is best for the students.
Mr. Rerras is a father of three young children, and he understands the importance of excellent education, safer schools and a good learning environment for children. It is hard for students to learn when they are in a school that is not considered safe, or one that has low academic standards. For positive change and better schools, please vote for Dimitrios Rerras on Nov. 7.
Gary McCoy
Meadowlake Drive Not a fun day in court
This is written out of frustration for our court system, which functions at a snail's pace.
My daughter and I have been to the courts to apply for custody of three children. She had to wait two hours when applying, and we were second in line. I have never seen so many people walking around with papers in their hands and coffee cups. When she was finally given a date for court, she never received notification of the date. We just happened to call or we wouldn't have been there. Plus I had to take off work for over 16 hours and had to make up time, even though we did not accomplish a thing.
We even made a trip to the Child Support Enforcement Center and had to wait, but for a shorter time. Actually they were pretty kind to us there.
When we finally made it to court, there were three courtrooms, with approximately 250 people lining the halls, waiting rooms and floor space. All the persons with attorneys were called first. We were at the bottom of the list. After waiting from 8 a.m. - we were told to come at that time and check in - until 1:30 p.m. and being reassured that it would only be a few more minutes, the judge decided to go on his lunch hour at 1:15 p.m., and they closed the courtroom. This was after the girl said they would work straight through that day.
I know the judge has to eat like anyone else, but all these people with small children were trying to keep them happy and having to buy chips and soft drinks, as they were hungry after all this time.
There must be a better way for our system to work and do it smoothly and in a better time frame. There were many policemen, lawyers, clients and social workers waiting with us, and I know many were being paid for sitting there. We were not. What do others do when they have to take time from work and sit and sit and sit?
Now we are told that because we could not wait, even though her case had no opposition, we have to start all over and refile. This is so unfair as, once again, I'm sure we will be at the bottom of the list.
Sylvia J. Eichberger
Noble Street Disregarding the limit
Have you ever driven down a road that has an unusually low speed limit posted? Chances are you have ... and disregarded it as I do.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not some anti-legislative activist or some impatient ``speed demon'' that terrorizes our city streets. When the flow of traffic behind and/or in front of me is moving generally faster, I will flow with it to avoid congestion and angering my fellow motorists. Wouldn't you do the same?
Recently, I was stopped in an obvious ``speed trap'' by the Norfolk police on a type of road I've described above: East Bay View Boulevard near Granby. Nobody heeds the 30 mph limit posted on this residential road ... for a reason! I would go out of my mind if I had to slow to that turtle pace! I was doing 41 mph, the officer told me cheerfully, as he took my license and registration.
I could answer the summons in traffic court or pay the fine by mail, he told me as I signed the ticket. As I drove away and was braking at the light at Granby, I noticed in my rear-view mirror that he had stopped another car.
The City of Norfolk should be grateful to police officers for procuring revenue in bulk.
Kevin M. Fry
Croyden Road Offering her thanks
On July 29, a family member had cardiac arrest at the Norfolk airport. A doctor and nurse who were there applied CPR until the paramedics arrived and revived her. We do not know who the doctor and nurse were, but we want to thank them, the paramedics and security for their wonderful help and compassion.
After two weeks the patient was able to return to her home in Louisiana.
Audrena Thompson
Chesapeake by CNB