THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 28, 1995 TAG: 9509280177
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 113 lines
In response to John Pruitt's Sept. 21 column, ``Nothing Advanced by Exclusive NAACP,'' I will set the record straight as to dialogue and events between Mr. Richard Harris and the NAACP on Sept. 11.
He arrived at the NAACP member meeting at East End Baptist Church Complex, requesting to ``sit in on the meeting.'' I informed Mr. Harris that he would not be allowed to attend and that, if he wanted to attend a meeting, he could request via phone or letter. Councilman Harris did not request membership in the NAACP during the conversation.
Mr. Harris' attempt to bring negative publicity upon the Suffolk Branch of the NAACP is an indication that his goals are not in keeping with those of the Suffolk branch. The following clearly indicate Mr. Harris' efforts to use a membership application as a ploy:
1. His initiative to assist in locating a race track directly across from a black church.
2. His initiative and assistance in an attempt to relocate a polling place from a black community to a predominately white community.
3. His appearance at a School Board meeting to castrate a black principal by laying all of society's social ills on his back, thereby securing termination.
4. His initiative in awarding $750,000-plus to Westhaven Lakes for sewerage ahead of black communities that have been on the list much longer.
5. His initiative to give the city attorney a resounding vote of confidence by City Council in opposition of support for (lead housing inspector) Vanessa Savage.
Your column spoke of ``street talk'' that I will challenge Mr. Harris for the Nansemond Borough council seat in May 1996. Although asked many times, I have refused to enter into a contest for a City Council seat. I announced Sept. 1, that I intend to pursue a School Board seat for the Nansemond Borough.
Mr. Pruitt's assumption that the NAACP Suffolk Branch is a social club and not a high-profile organization is in error! The Sun's editorial column has devoted much space to reflect on the Suffolk Branch of the NAACP, and the Suffolk News-Herald has devoted equal attention to this branch.
To your readers, this should be a sure indicator that we are indeed an important element in the fight for freedom, justice and liberty. Negative articles by Mr. Pruitt will not cause the leadership of this organization to falter in its effort to achieve fairness and to speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves.
His callous disregard for the president of the NAACP is the same as shown other African-American males who dare to stand up for their people in his racially shaded eyesight.
Paul C. Gillis
President, NAACP
Suffolk Accident response says that people still care
In a world all too often described as indifferent, the Sept. 22 collision involving a school bus on Whaleyville Boulevard certainly makes one re-evaluate preconceived notions.
Within moments of the four-vehicle accident, concerned travelers, the Whaleyville Fire Department, the Nansemond-Suffolk Rescue Squad and Suffolk Police were on the scene, offering assistance and comforting badly frightened elementary school children and some badly shaken-up adults.
As the driver of the bus, I would like to express sincere appreciation to all who assisted in the aftermath of the accident, which very well could have been a disaster. I am especially thankful that none of the school children was critically injured, and I am extremely proud of the manner in which these young people dealt with this emergency.
This experience has reaffirmed my faith in the natural goodness of people in general. Especially important to me is that I live in an area where residents' and public servants' demeanor were exemplary of compassionate and concerned citizens.
Carol Lewis
Manning Road
Suffolk Spread out protection
I live four miles from Downtown Suffolk, off Route 58 West. Some of us locals have begun referring to this stretch as ``Traffic Light Boulevard.'' The traffic lights, located every 300 yards or so, now outnumber the fast-food shops.
On a recent, one-way trip downtown, I felt so secure and protected. I saw nine of Suffolk's finest either sitting in their cars or moving through this area, apparently monitoring these traffic lights. These guys are either concerned about the welfare of these traffic lights or have found a new source of revenue for ``Surprising Suffolk.''
Come on, guys, don't you think there may be other traffic lights in this great city that need your attention or maybe even some other serious crimes? I would not feel slighted if I had to share our police resources with the other taxpayers in our city.
Bobby Dale
Gene Avenue
Suffolk Just not Republican
Thanks for getting the message of (Senate candidate) Jerry Flowers across in your assortment of comments Sept. 17.
The point was simply that Sen. Holland has voted against Gov. Allen 67 percent of the time, enough to help kill the governor's agenda.
You misquoted 64 percent of the time and tried to tie it to the statistic of 64 percent of the 15th District that voted for the governor, making the leap that this coincidence was ``going for quotas.'' That did not even occur to Jerry's campaign. As you know, Republicans don't think like that.
Gretchen Heal
Jerry Flowers for State Senate MEMO: Editor's note: The column linked the 64 percent vote for Allen to the
notion that whoever wins the election should vote with the governor 64
percent of the time.
by CNB