THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 21, 1996 TAG: 9601190253
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
The race is on!
A planned announcement on Wednesday by City Councilman Cameron Pitts is the first public notice of intentions for the May 7 election. The mayor and three council seats are on the ballot.
With a majority of the seven voting members up for re-election, citizens of Portsmouth have an opportunity to change the way things go or to affirm their support of the present majority.
Currently, the city is embarking on Vision 2005, one of the most practical and constructive projects anybody has tried here. We do not need to switch directions at this time and both candidates and voters should be mindful that we are one year into this plan for the future. Let's hope this fledgling project which has attracted so much citizen support does not become a campaign issue.
In fact, it would be a good year to hope for a very upbeat campaign steered away from negative charges and emphasizing positive action.
The real secret to the future of Portsmouth - and for a high-road campaign - is attracting sensible, ethical and informed citizens to run for the council. These tough times in the city and the nation call for statesmen, not merely politicians. by CNB