THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 12, 1996 TAG: 9604110140
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 108 lines
Consider vote carefully
We must now consider our choice from the 47 candidates for the School Board. This leaves us with the job of sorting out the egotists who claim to have an overwhelming desire to do ``public service.'' Perhaps they could volunteer for the job for which they are most qualified. In some cases it might be helping the janitorial staff sweep the floors of the City Hall Building. A desire for such service does not mean one is qualified for it.
Next we must sort out those who have a vested in the education ``business,'' as opposed to those interested in the education process. We must also weed out those with their own agenda, which will benefit them more than the children under their care and guidance.
We must then look at the members running from the academic community. A good teacher does not necessarily make a good administrator, while a bad teacher might make an excellent administrator.
Last, but not least, we must weed out those with an ethnic or racial agenda. I personally detest the use of hyphenated Americans. Whether we were born here or came from another country, we are all Americans.
Making the right choice for School Board should be considered carefully and perhaps a little Divine Guidance is in order. Do not take this matter lightly.
Henry T. Cook
Virginia Beach
Sigmon offers leadership
There have been many ``shaky'' assumptions made about the problems of the Virginia Beach school system's $12 million ``oversight.'' The special grand jury has met.
I believe that we should not continue to judge, unless we can gain positive results that would help us to move forward for our children.
We can move forward by voting for and electing Ken Sigmon to the School Board. What we need on the board are men and women who have vision, experience, and management expertise rather than limited education and experience.
Recalling our management principles, the functions of management are: Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Leading* and Controlling.
It should be noted that leading is a function of management, not the reverse.
Ken Sigmon will bring all of these functions to the School Board, plus the other important ``world,'' which is the interests of our community, parents, children and future (Education). As the director of a college, he will bring educational and management experience and expertise to the job.
Based on my 22 years of experience as an officer in the Air Force and 11 years experience as a college administrator and teacher, I believe that I can attest to the abilities of Ken Sigmon and ask you to vote for a man who can give us the
very best of the ``worlds'' of education and management.
Charlie McNaughton
Virginia Beach
McClanan has experience
Reba McClanan, candidate for the City Council, is the most qualified person for the job. She was on City Council representing the Princess Anne Borough from 1980 to 1992. She was also vice mayor under Mayor Harold Heischober from 1984 to 1986.
She has the leadership capabilities this city needs desperately. In addition to her many accomplishments for the betterment of the city, she has educational teaching experience and this is definitely what this city needs to improve the sad state the public schools are in currently. We need a former experienced teacher with leadership capabilities to enable the Virginia Beach school system to regain the respect that has been lost.
Let us not forget that Reba McClanan was one of the first on council to seek an alternative to our water problems. She worked long and hard to see the Lake Gaston Water Project become a reality. She has been a supporter of the environment and currently is serving as president of the Forestry Council. Her tireless involvement in the community serves as another example for her love of the city and its citizens.
Four years ago, we lost a dedicated member of the City Council and let's not let that happen again by voting for the incumbent who lacks the experience to deal with the difficult and troublesome issues this city is currently facing.
Whitehurst Family
McCombs Family
Virginia Beach
Soscia has what's needed
I have known Lou Soscia for 15 years and I firmly believe he has the leadership, patience and commitment to serve on the School Board.
Lou Soscia believes in helping others and making a difference. A leader of personal integrity and vision, he seems willing to sacrifice his personal life and focus on addressing problems in curriculum, discipline and finances.
He has the strong family and friends' support needed for this job.
On May 7, he has my vote.
Richard Minuto
Virginia Beach
Spadaccini offers vision
As a 16-year-old resident of Virginia Beach I am impressed by ``Bob'' Spadaccini's leadership, commitment and experience. His vision emphasizes hope and opportunities for our city.
``Bob'' Spadaccini believes that we should invest more in our community, infrastructure and quality of life and less in special interest items.
On May 7 ``Bob'' Spadaccini has my vote for School Board.
Linda C. Fleming
Virginia Beach by CNB