THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604060107
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 242 lines
I was upset to hear the news about the two firefighters who died on March 18. My heart goes out to their family and friends and to all the firefighters who knew and worked with them.
I was even more upset to hear and read that the people who lead our city, the people to whom the citizens and employees are supposed to look for guidance and direction, could not make enough of an effort to even get the one firefighter's name correct. The mayor kept referring to Frank E. Young as ``Eric Young.'' Nor could the Fire Chief call Johnny Hudgins' son by the correct name - Jordan, not Jonathan.
These faux pas happened during the eulogies our city officials were giving at these men's services. Also, the fire chief's eulogies, which were printed in The Chesapeake Clipper, seemed unfeeling and canned. They were almost identical with only a couple of changes to ``personalize'' it to the firefighter.
Why weren't the eulogies given by these firefighters' friends, who knew and truly cared for them? My brother-in-law is a firefighter in Pennsylvania. If, heaven forbid, anything happened to him, I would hope that the people for whom he risked his life on a daily basis would know his name or at least make an effort to get it right for an hour.
Carla Curry
Drury Lane Flags and monuments
First of all, I would like to say how sorry I am that our firefighters have lost two of their brethren. It is always a tragedy to lose loved ones, but it seems especially sad when they are so young and that their lives were taken while helping others. My blessings and prayers to their families, friends and co-workers.
Secondly, I have two questions:
(1) Why, when I watched the tribute to the fallen firefighters on television, was the American flag in front of City Hall not flying at half mast? Did these gentlemen not deserve the respect of our city managers? We should be doing all we can to honor these firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The least we can do is fly the flags they served under at half-mast.
(By the way, the Mayor's Office would not give me an answer to this question, but the Governor's Office said it was at the mayor's discretion to lower the flag.)
(2) I heard on the news that the two firefighters' names would not be inscribed on the memorial outside the Public Safety Building for some time. Is this custom or just another detail left to the mayor's discretion?
James A. Hogge
Hurdle Drive Last alarm
When I joined the Chesapeake police in 1974, we were called public safety officers and were trained in basic firefighting techniques. The department issued each rookie fire turn-out gear, and we were required to carry it in the trunk of our police car when working. After I responded to my first fire call, donned my gear and entered a building, I gained a great deal of respect for firefighters and silently vowed never to enter a building again that other folks were running from due to a fire.
All firefighters are special people, as we have all tragically learned recently. They risk their lives in defense of our safety and our property, and they do it willingly, even eagerly.
On March 18, my wife called me at my office and solemnly advised me that our local Engine Company No. 3 had just lost two firefighters in a blaze in Indian River Shopping Center. Anxiously, I turned the radio to a news station to learn the names, hoping that I did not recognize them as ones I remembered from my years with the city. As it turned out, I had not been close to either man, although I had met Frank Young and knew him well enough to speak his name when we encountered one another. But, while I didn't know the men themselves, I did know about their character. Like all firefighters, they possessed the hearts of lions and the decency of monks. One must have those qualities even to want to be a firefighter. Who else would be willing to risk it all every day to protect their fellow man?
On the Tuesday after the fire, I decided to drive past Station 3 on my way to work. I was not going to stop in; it was too early for that, I thought. But I wanted to drive by slowly and give silent thanks to firefighters Young and Hudgins for their sacrifice. As I approached Rokeby Avenue, I had second thoughts. Maybe I shouldn't even intrude on the sanctity of their hallowed space.
As I pondered, two beautiful male cardinals flew in front of my car with their fire-engine-red plumage almost glowing. They frolicked for a moment in front of men and then soared skyward. Surely, I thought, this was ``The Man's'' way of telling me that those two brave souls were homeward bound even then.
I decided to drive on past Station 3. I saw a flag at half staff, and at the base of its pole many, many flowers and messages. I was overcome with grief and pride in our firefighters, and I was forced to pause long enough to clear my eyes so that I could continue driving.
We have now laid both brave men to rest, and we will begin the healing process. For their families and their fellow firefighters it will not be easy. I hope that the realization of how much our city loves them will help. Surely this experience helps us understand why hellfire burns so brightly. Firefighters Frank Young and John Hudgins Jr., like others before them and to follow, responded to their last alarm by arriving in heaven!
A.C. ``Andy'' Black Jr.
Hornsea Road Gets things done
I encourage everyone in Chesapeake to vote for Bill Pierce as our next city councilman on May 7. I work with Bill Pierce, who is a volunteer at Chesapeake General Hospital. As a volunteer, he demonstrates a compassion to help his fellow man, and I know him personally as a man of character and integrity.
Bill is a man who gets things done! He has been pro-active in serving the interests of all citizens for a long time. Bill spearheaded the collection of 13,000 signatures, which resulted in a successful referendum for an elected School Board in 1993. Due mainly to his efforts, on May 7, Chesapeake will also have an entirely elected School Board.
The proposed state budget for 1996 included an 8 percent pay raise for university faculty members, but nothing for our local teachers. Bill fought for our teachers and children by writing a letter asking for a pay raise for local teachers also. He also personally went to Richmond, delivered these letters to the nine members of the House and Senate Conference Committee considering this issue, and lobbied them for our teachers' pay raise. The final legislation includes a 1.75 percent raise in November and another 2 percent in 1997. We need action-oriented men like Bill Pierce on our City Council.
As a management analyst and long-range planner with more than 25 years experience and an advanced degree in government, Bill is well qualified to serve on our City Council. Bill has promised to make his council duties a full-time job, which will increase a citizen's access to their elected representative.
Marie Cashwell
Johnstown Road New leadership
For too long, leadership has been missing in government on Chesapeake City Council and the Chesapeake School Board. In May, Chesapeake voters will have a chance to send a message on the status quo by electing new leaders like John Cosgrove, Dalton Edge and Patti Willis.
After 18 years, Bill Ward is a perfect example on why all elected officials need term limits. John Cosgrove will bring about leadership for the future of Chesapeake. He is a proven community leader, who will move Chesapeake into the 21st century. Dalton Edge has a proven track record for Chesapeake. He has provided solutions for our water problem and needs to be re-elected.
Patti Willis is someone who is desperately needed for our school system. It was surprising that the Chesapeake Education Association would endorse four men and not consider a woman's perspective. A mother has a unique relationship and understanding of her children. She is a former educator and attorney who believes parental involvement is a key to the improvement of Chesapeake schools.
Please vote for better city leadership in May by choosing John Cosgrove, Dalton Edge and Patti Willis.
Maria Reed
Carawan Drive Figures are correct
In early 1995, I reviewed the totals of actual expenditures by the Chesapeake Education Department for the fiscal year ending 1994 from four authoritative public sources. I was concerned that the Virginia Department of Education's Superintendent's Annual Report for Virginia reflects expenditures on on education that could not be cross walked to our local reports. Consequently, I called for an independent audit of actual expenditures for Fiscal Year 1994.
Since that time, I have reviewed the Chesapeake Public Schools Component Unit Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995. This report contains an independent audit by KPMH Peat Marwick LLP, which is the same firm that recently audited the Virginia Beach Public Schools. This audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and government auditing standards issued by the comptroller general of the United States. The audit also includes all funds and account groups of the schools which are component units of the City of Chesapeake. The audit provides a reasonable basis for their conclusion:
``In our opinion, the general purpose financial statements referred to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Chesapeake Public Schools as of June 30, 1995, and the results of its operations for the year ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.''
Since completing a comprehensive review of the Peat Marwick independent audit, I am satisfied that the actual expenditures by the Chesapeake Education Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995, are correct. This report is very reassuring and provides confirmation that our administration and board have operated in a judicious manner. I compliment them for being good stewards of the revenues our city has allocated to education.
Bill Pierce
Creef Lane Declining care
As a soon-to-be registered nurse and graduate of Old Dominion University's School of Nursing with many hours of clinical experience under my belt, I am concerned about the decline in quality patient care in our hospitals. Many patients are feeling that their treatment by the nurses has not been up to par. They usually have legitimate gripes, and I believe it's because hospitals have started the cost-efficient method of hiring fewer registered nurses and hiring more unlicensed personnel.
There is some statistical evidence to suggest that this is taking place. One study (McKenna, 1995) indicates a decrease in the number of qualified nurses by 21 percent in general nursing, 33 percent in elderly nursing, 24 percent in mental health nursing and 17 percent in mental handicapped nursing. This difference is being made up with various health care personnel who are under the direction of the RN, but do not have the skills or training as the RN. The result is that some unskilled workers are performing skilled nursing care previously given by the registered nurse.
This situation creates confusion for the patient. Unless these people are wearing a large sign on their head indicating their title, they are assumed to be nurses. This creates unsatisfactory care in many situations.
It would be appropriate for patients who feel they've been a recipient of poor health care to take a deeper look at the problem. When given their forms to rate the quality of care they received, they should mention the specific problems they encountered and the title of the individual who was inadequate in providing care.
Peggy Gonlet
Post Avenue Outlaw abortions
What a shock I was in for when I recently learned what constitutes a ``partial birth abortion!'' It is performed on the second or third trimester baby. It involves locating the baby via ultrasound, with the abortionist grasping the baby's legs and pulling them into the birth canal. The baby is still alive and kicking, and has been partially delivered. The abortionist then pierces the baby's skull with forceps, opens the forceps, which cracks the skull, and vacuums out the baby's brains.
Even more gruesome is the fact that President Clinton promises to veto the Partial Birth Abortion Act, which bans these abortions, except in the case of a mother whose life would be in danger otherwise. The act has been passed by both houses of Congress. There are 4,400 abortions performed daily in our country. The last time so many innocent humans were slaughtered was in Nazi Germany. Please don't stand silently by, but act in defense of the innocent ones. Remember, ours is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. God bless you.
Kathryn A. Weber
Fairway Drive Unfair to animals
It's not fair. People kill a lot of animals every year just because the owners don't take care of them.
I know they breed a lot, but if people would spay or neuter them, it wouldn't happen. In the end, the animals get the punishment, mostly by being put to sleep.
Scientists have even proven that people with pets live a longer, fuller life. Pets also help guard your house. Children especially like animals. They're always there to comfort you in your time of need.
All it takes is a little drive to a pet shop or dog pound, and you could save an animal's life.
Robert Summers
Driftwood Drive by CNB