THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604020136
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
In support of Andrews
As a lifelong citizen of Norfolk, I am grateful that Mason Andrews continues to commit his time and energies to benefit our community. When most people would kick back and enjoy their retirement years, Dr. Andrews continues to roll up his sleeves and solve the problems at hand.
I have known Dr. Andrews all my life, having grown up in the church in which he has served as an elder. Simply stated, his accomplishments for the benefit of the city are not only unmatched, but, more than likely, will never be matched by another.
He is known as the father of the Eastern Virginia Medical School, and his good work has resulted in a contribution, according to a recent Old Dominion University study, of over $514 million a year to the local economy, as well as the creation of 5,000 jobs. Not limiting his interests to medical education, Dr. Andrews proposed and headed a task force confirming the need for a Norfolk campus of TCC, the commitment for which culminated during his term as our city's mayor. He has also directed his energies on task forces to reduce crime and improve the plight of public housing.
His vision benefits all our citizens, regardless of one's status, wealth or race. We are lucky that he continues to be willing to serve us.
A self-effacing man, Dr. Andrews doesn't talk much. Rather, he does a lot. He's the kind of person we need on City Council.
Joseph P. Massey
Miles End
Focus on the important
I applaud our city officials for trying to improve the business of Norfolk through projects like Nauticus, Waterside and MacArthur Center.
As a businessman, I would not relocate or set up an additional store in either of those retail locations because I am also a consumer.
As a consumer, I will not pay for my parking even though Waterside has some wonderful retail stores and restaurants. I will not fight the traffic to get to downtown Norfolk unless I absolutely have to. I will not subject the safety of my family to the risk of a high crime area or the appearance of such - especially at night. As a businessman, I will not risk one penny unless I have a written, legally enforceable contract with all the major parties.
As a retailer, I will not risk my money on any venture unless it is consumer friendly and has an excellent chance of being profitable. I would not locate an additional branch of my business so close together that they would affect my other retail outlets.
Politicians should stay out of business ventures because they do not think like successful business people. What Norfolk really needs is more industrial/corporate jobs and not more retail-service jobs. Let's concentrate our limited resources on what is really important.
Philip Eugene Townsend Jr.
Chozen Gifts
& Discount Sports Cards
Granby Street by CNB