THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 28, 1996 TAG: 9604260205
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 135 lines
Cooperative spirit marked forum effort
The Suffolk Toastmasters wish to thank the candidates and citizens who attended the City Council Candidates Forum last Monday night at Nansemond River High School.
All candidates who were opposed participated. Audience attendance was sparse, but that was made up by those there, being able to ask questions.
We also appreciate Falcon Cable, which filmed the forum for airing on Cable Channel 13.
Our greatest appreciation goes to Mrs. Joyce Trump and the Suffolk School staff who enabled this forum to happen. Every citizen of Suffolk should have the opportunity to experience the cooperative attitude and actions of Mrs. Trump and the staff at Nansemond River High School.
Douglass Lindsay, President
Suffolk Toastmasters
Kilby Shores Drive
Suffolk
Smith represents best interests of entire city
As an active volunteer parent with two children in the Suffolk Public Schools for the past 10 years, I have worked with many teachers and administrators at the individual school level and at the School Board Office level.
Of the many personalities with whom I have interacted on the School Board, Art Smith has been one of the most informed and effective leaders.
Although he is not the representative in my own residing borough, I have chosen several times to contact Mr. Smith with my personal concerns on various issues or situations. He has always welcomed my comments, checked out any concern I might address, and always promptly followed through with each call by communicating back with me.
I have heard the same positive experience echoed by quite a number of parents and PTA officers who have contacted Mr. Smith in any way. His genuine concern is evident. Mr. Smith also makes himself visible and available to parents by attending a number of local PTA meetings.
I cannot think of a more qualified and efficient representative to serve on our School Board and wholeheartedly support him. I encourage the voters residing in his borough to allow him to continue to push Suffolk Public Schools forward. We must be aggressive to tackle the tasks ahead. Let's allow Mr. Art Smith to continue doing just that!
Debbie J. Hobbs
Cuttysark Lane
Suffolk
He's deeply devoted to Suffolk schoolchildren
I have been involved with the Suffolk Public School system for the past nine years. During that time, I have seen many improvements. These improvements are the result of many dedicated people. Art Smith is one such individual.
As current president of John F. Kennedy Middle School PTA and having been involved with PTA over the years, I have had many opportunities to deal with Art Smith. His dedication to the betterment of the Suffolk Public Schools is obvious. Mr. Smith is quite often found at PTA meetings, not just the schools in his district but at all the schools in our system. He is also a frequent visitor to the Suffolk PTA Council meetings.
Even though his children are grown, Art Smith still involves himself with the children of Suffolk. He knows the children are the future of Suffolk. By his tireless devotion, he has shown that he is accountable for helping achieve the mission of the school division.
I hope the voters in the Nansemond Borough will select Mr. Smith to continue the great job.
Marcie Mitchell
Gardner Lane
Suffolk
Invitations, endorsements leave a lot to be desired
Candidates' forums are a great way to stimulate community interest during a campaign for public office. So are questionnaires published in the press. And, of course, candidates love endorsements.
On April 15, a candidates' forum was held by the NAACP. I was not invited, although I'm a candidate for City Council in the Nansemond Borough.
After reading the ``Campaign Notebook'' by reporter Terri Williams, (The Sun, April 21) I'm glad I didn't attend. The reporter attempted to explain, with a humorous touch, how Talmadge Jones, ``being in the most powerful position as timekeeper,'' used his authority to cut off candidates in midstream if they exceeded their allotted time.
Councilman and candidate Richard Harris, she reported, was on the button, finishing his speech in record time. Jones then gazed at Harris, ``perfect on your time.'' What the reporter failed to report is that Talmadge Jones is a supporter of Mr. Harris and is on his campaign steering committee. What a conflict!
Another concern is that the Education Association of Suffolk, through its Political Action Committee, endorsed City Council candidates. That's fine and a good idea; however, it was a bad idea and unfair to both parties for a candidate to be omitted from the process. I received no questionnaire, nor was I invited to be interviewed.
I'm a supporter of the public system, attending and graduating from Suffolk Public Schools for 12 years, as did my wife. Both of my school-age children attend public schools. Endorsements are welcome, but individual voters should have the final say. I favor the democratic process!
J. Dodd Brooks
General Pickett Drive
Suffolk
There for us, Del. Nelms needs us to be there now
My name is James Eley. I am a lay leader at Faith Temple Church on Wellons Street in Suffolk. I am writing as a Christian brother of Del. Robert Nelms.
Robert's faith in God can be easily seen in his compassion for people, all people, and his willingness to help anyone who calls on him. It is clear that God has guided him, for no man could have accomplished the things he has done without God.
Del. Nelms, his lovely wife, Diane, and their son, Harrison, have visited our church often. Nelms has become deeply involved with the King's Kids of America. As a matter of fact, he has accompanied the Board of Directors to Richmond, spoken at King's Kids events, and invested his time and money to help those who may not have had the best opportunities to help themselves. He has given these children hope through his words, his works and his example.
He took on a task that no other man or woman was either willing or able to do. The son of a member of our church has been sent to prison for over 20 years. He is there for a crime he did not commit. We have asked for the help of other legislators and community leaders in the past. Then God led me to Del. Robert Nelms, who listened. He agreed to read the testimony and review the files. Del. Nelms gave this seemingly guilty man a chance. He gave him hope. The case has been reopened, and an investigation is underway. To this point, no one has accomplished as much on his behalf as Del. Nelms has been able to do. Where there's a will, there's a way. That's God!
Del. Nelms has had the will to help many people in this community. This is one of his outstanding Godly attributes, his purpose, and God has shown him the way.
Now is the time for us to stand up for him. He has been there for all people in our district, and I encourage everyone to speak out in support of Robert Nelms, just as he has done and would do for you. I hold him and his family in prayer and ask the same of you.
James Eley
Suffolk by CNB