THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 23, 1995 TAG: 9511240253
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 133 lines
We wish to express our appreciation for the friendliness and helpfulness of the citizens of Norfolk when we had a flat tire on our travel trailer on a very busy highway on Oct. 19. An observant lady in a passing car alerted us to the problem. Moments after we moved to the berm, a young man, Edward Holley, stopped and offered his assistance, which we gratefully accepted.
Gaylord E. Rough
Alfred, N.Y.
It's simple - Wright lost
``Teich's triumph came on assist from Gaines'' by Marc Davis (Compass, Nov. 9) reads the headline. But a quick look at the numbers does not support the assertion. Simple math indicates that even if every voter who cast their vote for Malcolm Gaines had instead voted for Randy Wright, he would have still lost the election by 341 votes.
Mr. Davis says that it was the black vote who deserted Mr. Wright just enough to throw the election to Mr. Teich. This is not entirely true. It was many of his previously loyal constituents who deserted him. He lost much of their support with his backroom political deals.
And the political deal to dump William Ryan as Clerk of Court to further his political career was the beginning of the end. Mr. Wright failed to carry Azalea Gardens, Bayview, Ocean View, Northside, Larrymore, Little Creek and other voting locations in the northern part of Norfolk - areas of the city that have previously supported him.
The voters did not vote yes for negative campaigning and negative advertising, as Mr. Wright is quoted as saying; they voted no to backroom deals and politics. And his statement, ``Too many people came up to me . . . and said, `We don't want you to leave City Council' '' is just difficult to believe.
Mr. Wright lost sight of why he was elected to City Council. He has lost his status as a popular city councilman. He has lost many of his supporters. And he lost to a Republican in a Democratic voting city. The headline should have read, ``Randy Wright loses.''
Steven P. Kavanaugh
Gardner Drive Who supports Wright?
I'm writing this letter after reading the Marc Davis article in the Nov. 9 Compass. After reading the article and running the votes through my mind, it seems that north of Little Creek Road also let Mr. Wright know he's getting a little weak there. The article stated he had a loyal following in Ocean View. I don't think he won one precinct in the Ocean View area.
The current City Council continues to try and place its mistakes in the taxpayers' pockets, and Randy Wright is part of the current council. If I read the results right, he lost by more than 2,000 votes in his loyal area. He made the statement that ``they want to keep me on the council,'' but I feel if he is going for a better job, better pay, then let him. The statement Mr. Wright made was a cop-out.
Some voters do feel he is not doing the job for Ocean View, which is supposed to be his home area. The talk of tearing down the stores in Ocean View has bothered people in Ocean View. We need more tax revenue to help lift the burden off the citizens of Norfolk. Mr. Wright and the current City Council are not doing that. The election might be a sign to let him know he needs to straighten up or a good citizen might run against him and knock him off the City Council.
I really believe the election sent Mr. Wright a message. There are other parts of this city besides Waterside Drive and Granby Street (downtown). Mr. Wright should see that his own district has the greatest potential for growth.
As a voter, I spoke my feelings for real change. The outcome of the election said a lot. We still need more change. Congratulations, Thelma Drake and Al Teich - a job well done.
Michael Garrity
Marlina Court Help from Samaritans
I would like to thank five good Samaritans who came to my rescue one recent afternoon when my car stalled a quarter of the way up the Hampton Boulevard bridge.
I am most thankful to the woman in the white Navy van who stopped to ask if I needed help, to the jogger who pushed my car up to the top of the bridge so that I could coast down, to the member of my church who stopped to help before he even recognized me as the driver and to the two city of Norfolk employees who also stopped to offer assistance.
In Norfolk, where so much of the news is negative, I am now safe at home thanks to some people who were willing to risk their safety in fast traffic in order to get me over the bridge and out of danger. Residents of Norfolk should be proud to know that we have these generous and kind citizens working and living among us.
Kristen K. Cederquist
Manchester Avenue An apology to the kids
Recently, someone broke into my car and stole my classical guitar, two tennis rackets and two high fashion ``Polo'' sweatshirts (one bright blue with tennis rackets, one dark green with golf clubs). The driver's side window was smashed out, and I cut my finger as I angrily brushed the broken glass off my seat.
In my anger, I cursed the neighborhood that I live in, the parents who let their kids run around at night, the police who are never there when you need them, but most of all, the kid or kids who had the nerve, the disrespect and the lack of morality to do such a crime.
Sin of sins, I even cursed God, whom lately I've been depending on more and more to forgive me of all my bad deeds, immorality and transgressions. Then I prayed, and this is the message I got.
Do not be angry with anyone but yourself. First, be angry that you led these kids into temptation by leaving your toys visibly in your car. Next, be angry that you haven't gotten to know these kids; they look to adults for guidance. Be angry that you have not shared your talents and skill at music and athletics. These kids need someone to show them that there is more to life than walking the streets, stealing and destroying other people's property.
Finally, be angry that you were prejudiced against these kids. After all, you don't even know for sure if it was these kids who did it. You assume that, because you see these kids walking the streets, smoking pot and talking vulgar nonsense that it was ``them'' who were responsible. What if you are wrong? Is that not ``bearing false witness against thy neighbor?''
So, I'm not very angry at all now. As a matter of fact, I feel very good. And although I would like to get my stuff back, the lesson I learned far outweighs the value of my possessions.
From now on, I'll remember I used to be a kid. I needed a coach to teach me sports and sportsmanship. I needed a teacher to show me how to play guitar and how music is a wondrous way to express myself and to relieve my anxiety or show my joy and happiness. Also, I needed a spiritual adviser to let me know there is purpose for my life, though sometimes through misdirected anger, I can't see it.
So, to the kids of my neighborhood, I'm sorry. I've been a poor role model. I hope you will forgive me and give me another chance. I will do better.
Robert Philpott
McNeal Avenue by CNB