THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 19, 1996 TAG: 9604170111
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
Who is John Cosgrove? Where did he come from? What has he ever done for the city? How is he qualified to run our city? Why, I don't even know if he knows how to run a car.
He just shows the Republicans will run anyone for a seat.
Look at Robert T. Nance Jr. The only big thing he has done was to fire Jim Rein, one of the best city managers in the country. Dalton Edge seconded the motion. Edge was a defeated candidate appointed by his buddies to replace Arthur Dwyer, who had to resign, and Edge wasn't even knowledgeable to even know the good work that Rein had done.
Then there is another one running, Robert Bowman, a one-house-a-year contractor who probably doesn't even know where City Hall is located.
We sure need some real leaders to run for office.
James Morgan
George Washington Highway South Keep taxes low
As April 15 rolls around, and I am doing my taxes, it's quite sad that I have to pay money to the federal and state government. I am very happy that thanks to Republicans like W. Joe Newman, Robert T. Nance Jr. and Pete P. Duda, I will not have to pay more money to Chesapeake.
Property taxes were cut in 1994 and 1995, and recreational vehicle taxes were cut in 1996 because of Republicans.
In May, please vote to keep our taxes low in Chesapeake. Vote for John Cosgrove, Dalton Edge, Robert Nance and Bill Pierce for Chesapeake City Council.
Jason Butts
Northview Drive Deserving candidates
Chesapeake has enjoyed a professional and dedicated school board under the appointive system. It is important to have people of integrity and knowledge continue to serve. The people of Chesapeake have an opportunity to elect two such individuals on May 7 - Thomas L. Mercer and Michael J. Woods.
I have been involved in education for the past 35 years. Board members have a distinct influence on the quality of education in a community. Educational opportunities are one of the first things considered by businesses and industries looking to locate in an area. For the first time in many years we are hearing complaints about the overcrowded classrooms and the lack of facilities in Chesapeake. We need to broaden our tax base to relieve the tax burden on real estate. We need school board members who are sensitive to these issues and the many complicated decisions that must be made to deliver a quality education.
Mike Woods and Tom Mercer have the professionalism and knowledge to carry out board member responsibilities. Mike is a former police officer and is now a practicing attorney in our community. He has children in the system and is dedicated to improving the educational opportunities for the young people of Chesapeake. Tom Mercer is a product of the system, has children in the system and is pastor of Hickory United Methodist Church. He pledges to uphold rigorous standards, ensure school safety, provide adequate facilities and increase community involvement. Both of these candidates deserve the opportunity to serve on the School Board of the city of Chesapeake. Give them your vote on May 7.
Shirley B. Wilson
Goldcrest Drive Visit appreciated
I appreciate the fact that John Cosgrove and Patti Willis came to meet me in my neighborhood. It's the first time a person running for office has come to my door.
I plan to go and support them in May for mayor and School Board.
Matt Johnson
Shell Road by CNB