THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604060100
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
On a late Sunday night, we were returning home from a March madness weekend in Greensboro, N.C., when we had a flat tire. Our uneasiness was compounded by the fact that it happened on the now infamous Shore Drive.
Our first call for help was to AAA, the second to a relative to come rescue us. We weren't there long when a car full of young boys (teenagers at that) stopped to see if we were OK. We assured them help was on the way. Sometime later, a police car approached with its comforting blue lights flashing. My hope was that the officer would stay until the repair truck arrived - to act as a ``safety net'' on this busy road.
Much to our surprise, officer John Runge evaluated the situation and said to my husband: ``Call Triple A and tell them not to come. I can change this tire before they could ever get here.'' So, in the bitter cold night air, with the help of our 14-year-old grandson, they proceeded to unload the baggage (cooler and all), and in no time, he had the tire changed. By the time my brother arrived, we were ready to roll!
As I reached up to give him a thank-you hug, I realized what a giant of a man he was. I decided he needs all that size to fit such a big heart!
Mary Lee Harris
Virginia Beach School Board members deserve better
Having served on a few community boards, I know from experience that it takes at least one year to learn the detailed workings of even the smallest organization. To expect the Virginia Beach School Board members to have mastered their roles in such a complicated organization, in just one, two or even three years, is overly optimistic.
A few diligent public servants, innocently lacking in on-the-job experience, have undoubtedly been permanently cured of the rare desire for public service.
Dan Beck
Virginia Beach by CNB