THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 15, 1996 TAG: 9603140117
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
I am writing to express my outrage at the ``star chamber'' tactics of the Virginia Beach Grand Jury led by Mr. Bob Humphreys.
Obviously the debt incurred by the deceitful management of Sidney Faucette is terrible. But, to intimidate and slander the well deserved character of these fine public servants is equally a terrible injustice.
These individuals, namely Dr. Spiva, Mr. Jackson, Mrs. Kernutt, Mr. Taylor, Admiral Felt, Mr. Hall, Dr. Barnes and Mrs. Creamer, have given of themselves to the people of Virginia Beach for a measly $3,600 a year.
The School Board is composed of ordinary citizens elected and/or appointed to provide direction and general oversight to the highly financed Virginia Beach Public School System. That is exactly what they have done.
The real culprit (Faucette) is now unemployed and untouchable in Gwinnett County, Ga. Why tarnish these fine individuals because Faucette deprived them of vital information that was necessary for the School Board to do the job they were elected to do?
This approach to this serious problem is misguided. The threats and intimidation by the ``star chamber'' smacks of a well timed self-promotion for the political aspirations of Mr. Humphreys.
Unfortunately, we have lost some wonderful and dedicated public servants.
Tim Campbell
Virginia Beach
I am a registered voter and resident of Virginia Beach and I am sick and tired of the way your newspaper slants the news and only informs the public of your opinions and not the full truth.
My complaint has to do with the way you have dealt with the members of the Virginia Beach School Board. You have run numerous articles on what you feel is important and what you feel the public needs to read. But, in matters that could reveal some truth or shed a different light on the situation you fail to mention. Every citizen who voted for Tim Jackson should have the right to read the statements that he made at his news conference March 4. Are you afraid to let the public know all he said?
When the grand jury requested that seven of the School Board members resign or face prosecution, you printed big bold headlines. But, when one innocent man decided to defend his name you wrote a little sidebar article/headline. Wasn't his stance newsworthy enough for you?
I agree with Mr. Jackson and urge all the School Board members who have resigned to rescind their resignations. I have read that those who have resigned want what's best for the children. Well, if they did nothing wrong then I think they should defend their names and the job they did.
How dare these grand jury members say that these School Board members are unfit for public service. I urge all the board members to really consider what was said about them and then join Mr. Jackson. I urge the voters who supported these individuals to demand the truth be revealed and stand behind the people you voted into office. Each one of these board members has helped to better this community. Don't let the grand jury take that away from you.
I would like to thank Mr. Jackson for sticking to his convictions.
Debra Lee
Virginia Beach MEMO: Editor's note: Mr. Jackson's remarks will be printed in an upcoming
edition of the Beacon.
by CNB