THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 22, 1995 TAG: 9510200212
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 132 lines
I've been intrigued to watch the 64th House of Delegates race and the distinct contrast between Democrat William Barlow and Republican challenger Debra Quesinberry.
I've heard the question, why would the incumbent continually vote for the criminals and against us?
I believe the answer lies in the words of Charleston, S.C. Police Chief Reuben Greenburg: ``The country's crime problem will never be solved until the lawyers of this nation earn their living from helping to put guilty criminals behind bars instead of fighting to keep them out!''
I also believe that lawyer Bill Barlow and his most vocal supporters know exactly how Chief Greenburg, O.J. watchers and a majority of law-abiding citizens feel about this subject. Why else do they now conspire in desperation to cover up the delegates' failed record on crime issues? But the attempted cover-up will, of course, fail, too. The facts simply don't lie. Barlow has voted against us where Debra Quesinberry would have strongly fought for us!
Whether it was opposing tougher prison sentences for criminals who use guns to commit crimes, opposing tougher prison sentences for repeat violent criminals or opposing mandatory prison sentences for drug dealers who use guns, the incumbent has acted in self-interest and in the interest of his profession rather than in the interest of honest, law-abiding, taxpaying citizens. Quite frankly, that makes me mad.
But there is a common-sense choice in Debra Quesinberry. Debra, a pharmacist who worked her way through school without handouts, is also a captain in the Army Reserve. Her husband, Steve, is a career police officer. And their son, Jeff, is presently in the Academy, soon to join his father on the force. To Debra Quesinberry, getting seriously tough on crime isn't a political ploy. It's a war she and her family have pledged themselves and dedicated their life to winning.
There is a clear choice this year. We can give away our vote to the ACLU and the trial lawyers by returning the incumbent or we can help Debra Quesinberry fight the war on crime by electing her on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Victor Gramm
Washington Street
Boykins Thanks, Del. Moore
I would like to thank Del. Billy Moore, 79th House District, for co-sponsoring the budget amendment that restored funds to the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station, which directly affects our local 4-H programs.
As an adult volunteer and a leader of the Western Branch Horse and Pony 4-H Club, I know first-hand how important these programs are to the children in our community. Our 4-H programs teach children ``hands on'' about nutrition, marine science, anatomy and veterinary care, with emphasis on horses, and overall environmental education, just to name a few.
Del. Moore has given us a helping hand by protecting and preserving our educational programs for our children, especially for our underprivileged kids who otherwise might not receive the opportunities the 4-H programs offer. With the continuance of state funding, we are able to give our children the opportunity to open their minds to new ideas, learn leadership qualities and develop their self-esteem, making them better citizens and bringing us a better community.
Katrina Clinton
Bamboo Road
Portsmouth Barlow's real record
After reading a letter from David Johnson, executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia, that appeared in The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 15, I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to find the same voting record to which Mr. Johnson referred.
In his letter, he cited House Bills 1317 and 1318 (1994) and argued that Bill Barlow used a ``gimmick'' to mislead the voters. The only thing I could find in Del. Barlow's record was a vote of YEA on both bills, which call for tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders and tougher sentences for criminals who use a gun while committing an offense.
While I was researching his record on crime, I also found a few other interesting facts. For instance, Bill Barlow co-patroned House Bill 5001 (1994), which abolished parole and allowed for truth in sentencing. Additionally, Bill Barlow introduced the measure that restored funding to the local police departments and saved the jobs of 25 local police officers in the 64th District.
While I'm interested in Mr. Johnson's ``story,'' I am only able to work with the facts that are provided to me in black and white. Perhaps at some point over the next three weeks, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Quesinberry will tell the voters what SHE stands for instead of the creative account of Del. Barlow's record we've seen thus far.
Danyel L. Harris
Campaign Manager
for William K. Barlow Restored restaurant `a rose among thorns'
In light of the fact that the Historical Society is working very hard to start a renovation project on Main Street, I felt moved to write these thoughts recently. I hope my message might spark some interest.
Front Street Restaurant is a rose among thorns, the thorns being all the long-neglected homes on North Main Street. Front Street has been wonderfully restored and houses a first class restaurant owned and operated by the Gayles.
On every visit, we have been greeted warmly and served a fabulous meal. The menu is varied and interesting, with fresh seasonal ingredients. In addition, Mrs. Gayle has started carrying a large selection of wines. You can browse and select your wine for dinner or shop for a selection to take home.
We recommend that you stay in Suffolk for fine dining. While visiting this lovely spot, look around on North Main Street and see how many other old homes might be improved and used just as Front Street has been.
We need to get busy and save what's left of our old town.
Barbara N. McPhail
Williams Circle
Suffolk Keep Holland, Lucas
To all firefighters and rescue personnel: Do not elect any strangers.
Sen. Richard J. Holland and Del. William Barlow are true friends of the fire and rescue service. I doubt very seriously if Jerry B. Flowers (Republican candidate for the 15th Senate District) and Debra Quesinberry (Republican candidate for the 64th House District) have the vaguest idea how fire and rescue services operate in rural Virginia.
As for Mr. Flowers being a businessman, my daughter worked for him in his Richmond office. By his own admission, she was the best loan closer he had ever had, but his ineffectiveness to run and control the business ran her away.
I urge each firefighter and rescue squad person to vote for Holland and Barlow, true friends of the fire and rescue service, as shown by actions not by lip service.
Do not elect any strangers in November.
Edward O. Bond
Courtland by CNB