THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 15, 1996 TAG: 9603130135
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
Last night, I watched the news with amazement as Mayor William E. Ward stated that a grand jury investigation into the goings-on at the Chesapeake Police Department was not warranted.
Today, as I read the editorial page of The Clipper, I am again amazed to read letters where people deride the victim of the ATV theft for wanting to get some answers from the police department regarding his case. Let's not forget that the police department cannot even find the incident report of the crime. One letter even criticized WAVY-TV for covering the story.
Since I moved to Chesapeake, I have seen a mayor resign under indictment, a vice mayor resign amid scandal, an ineffective city manager fired and a police officer arrested for grand larceny.
Mayor Ward, do you and I live in the same city?
How many scandals must we endure while you assure us that everything is OK with our public servants? If there is no problem, then an independent investigation will only convince us of that fact. Surely, the citizens of Chesapeake are entitled to such assurance.
Regarding the letters to the editor in today's Clipper, I would like to know what you people are afraid of. A free press is one of the last ways the people have to keep our public officials honest. Only an informed public can make sure that our public officials (whose salaries we pay) are accountable to us, their employers, for their actions.
I applaud WAVY-TV and The Virginian-Pilot for their coverage of this story, and all stories that shed light on our tax dollars at work. Regarding the woman who implies that WAVY-TV is somehow persecuting the police department by covering this story with zeal; I wonder if she understands how a free press works.
I, like many others, hope that the police department can stand up to the scrutiny of an impartial outside investigation. However, to just ignore the situation and keep our heads in the sand is not only naive, it is stupid.
Susan Langston
Plantation Lakes Disappointed in senator
Regarding the article ``Lone senator declines to sign resolution,'' the family and friends of Paul Anthony Bernard Sr. would like to express our appreciation to all those involved in the apprehension of his killer.
We agree with state Sen. Ken Stolle that officers Tim Sullivan, Jared Legg and Rafael Vargas are especially worthy of commendation for their actions.
Officers Vargas and Legg placed their own lives in jeopardy to subdue an armed man.
Officer Sullivan, despite the fact that he was not on duty, identified the suspect and kept him in sight until the others could join the pursuit. We have no doubt that his actions were key in saving other families from the anguish that our family now endures.
We are hurt and disappointed to know that state Sen. Yvonne Miller does not share our admiration of these fine officers. At a time when the acts of a few police officers have brought distrust upon law enforcement as a whole, those who exemplify protection and service deserve recognition.
Finally, the family of Paul Bernard would like to acknowledge the overwhelming outpouring of support that the Hampton Roads community has given us in the wake of this tragedy. Our gratitude is beyond words.
Tanya Bernard
Tatemstown Road Light priorities
If I am correct, the city of Chesapeake approved a traffic light for Mt. Pleasant Road for the safety of the residents.
Since I haven't seen it, was the light installed in front of the new mall on Greenbrier Parkway, perhaps by mistake? You know, the one that's not in use yet in front of a mall that hasn't been completed.
Didn't the city have to approve it? Install it?
Surely, we the residents asked for a traffic light way before they broke ground on the new mall.
Mary Stavitzski
Priscilla Lane Slow cleanup
I realize that the recent ice storm caused a lot of damage to the trees in our city, but it has now been three weeks and the limbs and branches are still on the curbs of Western Branch. How long will it take to get them up in Great Bridge so you can come to our part of the city?
Dave Davenport
Armada Drive by CNB