THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 28, 1996 TAG: 9604260214
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 805 lines
Attend an election forum
Elections are upon us and for the first time, the citizens of Portsmouth will be able to elect their School Board members. I worked actively, along with many others, to have this referendum brought before the voters. It was a special pride we felt when the referendum passed in every voting precinct in the city. The voters spoke out loud and clear on this issue.
On May 7, they will have the chance to vote for five school board members who will hold their positions for four years. There are many new faces and fresh ideas among the 15 candidates. Many forums are being sponsored so that voters can hear their ideas and have their questions answered. Go out to one and listen to what these candidates have to say.
I, personally, invite everyone to attend a citywide forum at 7 p.m. April 30 in the City Council chambers sponsored by The Portsmouth Citizens for Better Education. Your local church or civic club may be offering one, also. Go out and listen so you can make the intelligent choices. Your choices will affect our children's future.
Jacqueline Johnson
Thelmar Lane
April 8, 1996 Civic forums important
On May 7, Portsmouth citizens will be voting for mayor and three council seats.
We have three people running for the office of mayor and seven running for three council seats.
The election process in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are reported in full by the paper. However, seldom are there any significant reports to the public in the paper or the Currents about Portsmouth's election process.
We rely on the newspaper as a primary source so that we can cast informed votes. We urgently request that civic forums be attended where election issues are discussed and debated and appropriately explained to the electorate of Portsmouth.
M.H. Morris
Hodges Ferry Road
April 6, 1996 Excellent credentials
I am excited about the upcoming City Council elections because my vote for James C. Hawks and J. Thomas Benn III will mean that I can contribute to the future of Portsmouth.
I have watched Mr. Hawks' performance on council over the past eight years and I have been impressed with the serious manner in which he conducts himself and the inquisitive analysis that he applies to every issue. In particular, his interest in strengthening Portsmouth's economic base has given me hope for my city's future.
In his seven years on the School Board, Mr. Benn has risen to the top as chairman, where he has persistently brought real change to public education by eliminating crosstown busing for elementary students and letting all children choose their schools where space is available.
Both of these men have excellent credentials and I am excited and grateful that they are willing to continue to serve our city.
Bill Clare
Madden Terrace
April 23, 1996 Your vote counts
The time has come when we must vote for council and school board. A lot will be promised, but nothing will be done about it.
Cameron C. Pitts is running again for Portsmouth City Council. It's hard to think what he did for the city but cry to put a merry-go-round at the Portsmouth's Children's Museum. Portsmouth needs to grip together for a tax base not a merry-go-round. Pitts also suggested closing the Clifford Street Bridge but was stopped by a petition drive by Park Manor residents. Is this what we need in council again?
School Board is geared up to make Portsmouth a good school district. We need to put the children first to have a good system and future leaders. The Park Manor civic president B. Keith Nance Sr. is running for the Portsmouth School Board . . . Can we afford this type of leadership on the school board?
. . . Your vote counts, use it, don't abuse it.
Walter T. Broda
Kay Road
April 15, 1996 A vote for Mayor Webb
I moved to Portsmouth nine years ago because of a change in employment. I came on the day the stock market crashed, two months prior to the recall of a former mayor, and just ahead of the exodus of a city manager.
I have watched this city that I love to call home address more challenges in those nine years than many communities confront over several decades. I have seen those confounding situations addressed with strength and determination because of the leadership shown by Mayor Gloria O. Webb, the councils with which she has served, and the staff which now surrounds that elected body.
On May 7, I will vote for Mayor Webb because of her leadership, her pride in this city and her vision for our collective future.
I will refuse to support candidates for any office who run campaigns based on negative messages and narrow themes. It is only through clear strategies and collaborative efforts that our council and our citizens will realize the potential for tomorrow.
Through our shared strength, we will soon be the example of planning and success that the region points to as examples of what's right about Hampton Roads.
Gail Cunningham
Idlewood Avenue
April 22, 1996 Randi Strutton endorsed
My friendship with Portsmouth School Board candidate Randi Bryant Strutton goes back 38 years, and I believe I know her as well as anyone can ever know another person. I know her to be a natural leader who has always been committed to education.
As a 1965 honor graduate, Randi was recognized as one of the most active student leaders in the history of Cradock High School. During her high school career, she won regional, state and national honors for a wide variety of activities, including being elected state president of the Future Teachers of America. Randi went on to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where, once again, she distinguished herself as a campus leader. In 1968, she was elected student body president. For the next 25 years, she focused her energies on being a good wife, grad student, mother, teacher, business partner and community volunteer.
Though Randi left classroom teaching in 1982, her involvement in education has continued. She has maintained active membership in the Phi Delta Kappa fraternity of outstanding educators and serves on the local chapter's executive board. Through Phi Delta Kappa, she initiated and directed in partnership with the Portsmouth Public Schools, an award-winning research project that explored the connection between poor visual performance and poor academic and social performance. Her goal was to help children who are poor readers learn to read and succeed in school and in life. Not incidentally, for six years she volunteered her time and talent as a private tutor to non-reading adults.
Most recently, Randi has devoted her energy to organizing and leading the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation. This grassroots organization is working to establish a wildlife preserve and learning center that will be a natural laboratory, offering hands-on learning activities for our children and enrichment opportunities for adults - now and forever.
I can think of no one more qualified or more able than Randi Strutton to serve on Portsmouth's School Board. I urge the people in Portsmouth to join my friends there in voting for her on May 7.
Virginia Mathison Watson
Stonebridge Landing
Chesapeake
April 8, 1996 Our best chance
Portsmouth voters will have to make a decision May 7 that has a tremendous impact on our future. The office of mayor will be contested by three candidates and we need to seriously review their qualifications.
One candidate has a proven record of dedicated service in public office including eight years on the school board and 16 years on the City Council; the past eight years as mayor. She has represented the city through good and not so good times always with integrity and willingness to give freely of her time and energy.
Our successes have been to a large degree the result of her devotion and willingness to address tough issues with knowledge and resolve. She has represented all of our citizens in a highly professional manner.
A second candidate has the unique distinction of being the only mayor in the Commonwealth of Virginia ever removed from office after his integrity was highly questioned and his judgment had been seriously impaired.
The third candidate has no experience in public office but does often Monday morning quarterback the decisions of other city officials.
There you have it! The choice should be easy! We cannot afford proven instability and questionable ethical conduct in office or a freshman mayor with no former experience.
Gloria O. Webb is clearly our best chance and we should give her our full support on May 7.
Burrell R. Johnson
Portsmouth
April 18, 1996 Proven leadership
The Portsmouth City Council election on May 7 is critical to the future of our city. There are many issues to be addressed that effect us both on a local and regional basis. Locally, the Vision 2005 plan is going to require people with a vision of the future and determination to move forward sometimes in spite of skeptical opposition.
On a regional basis, there are now and will be unlimited opportunities to expand our role in the Hampton Roads community. Achieving these goals will require proven leadership and a strong desire to see our city prosper.
I have observed Mayor Gloria O. Webb, councilman James C. Hawks and school board Chairman J. Thomas Benn III over the past several years and believe they possess the qualities of leadership necessary to move our city forward.
A vote for them on May 7 will be in our best interest and the best interest of Portsmouth.
Leo V. Schocklin
Pine Bluff
April 18, 1996 A political tactic ?
In the Currents section of the Sunday paper, I discovered that two of the candidates for Portsmouth City Council were making the claim that they had gotten curbs and gutters into the Simonsdale area. The advertisement for James C. Hawks and J. Thomas Benn III insinuated that they were the ones responsible for this.
As far as I can tell, this work has only begun. I contacted my civic club president, Karen Jordan, and she told me that all of the Portsmouth City Council voted on this project, not just Mr. Hawks. She assured me that no one council member gets anything done by himself. Perhaps, this is just a political tactic to gain votes for Simonsdale.
Larose M. Mann
Jewell Avenue
April 15, 1996
Editor's Note: Letters very similar to Mann's letter also were written by Karen Jordan and Christine Delaney of Simonsdale. A worthy choice
As a 37-year-old resident of Portsmouth and pastor of Court Street Baptist Church, I am grateful for the mature character and service of our city employees and elected officials. I am impressed now with the qualifications of candidates for mayor and city council in the May 7 election. All citizens can help our city as they exercise their right to vote.
As his pastor, I commend J. Thomas Benn III as a worthy choice for City Council. He has been chairman of the Portsmouth School Board, life-long resident of Portsmouth, highly successful in his Naval Shipyard engineering career, experienced in varied city government committees and boards, and free of allegiance to any specific agendas or groups other than to work for the progress of our city.
Tommy and his family are active participants in our church and he is a trustee, deacon and chairman of the finance committee.
I recommend him to each voter as a productive, competent, experienced leader with a high degree of commitment and skills to work with all groups and individuals in the advancement of our beloved city.
Wilbur Kersey
Court Street Baptist Church
April 22, 1996 Rafiq Zaidi supported
In a recent edition of the Currents, dated April 14, letters addressed to the editor allegedly from Leo G. Ruffing, Harvey Ackiss and Carrie Byrum were misleading, politically calculated and contrary to the complete truth.
As a member of the African-American community, and supporter of candidate minister Rafiq Zaidi, I have attended most of the public forums to which our candidate has been invited.
First, we disagree with Mr. Ruffing when he alludes that certain candidates lack the common courtesy to answer an inquiry from a citizen.
We cannot defend other candidates; however, I can attest to the fact that Mr. Ruffing did not communicate his desires to us. Although candidate Zaidi has not been invited to several ``special interest forums,'' including Bide-A-Wee Manor Civic League, we remain steadfast and composed. Sabotage, racism and systematic exclusion from the political process will not hinder the campaign.
Mr. Ackiss and Carrie Byrum attributes the idea of an ``ethics committee'' to candidate Cameron C. Pitts. Long before Mr. Pitts raised the issue, Minister Zaidi championed the cause in June of 1986. Check the City Council meeting records.
Candidate Zaidi has requested that the Portsmouth City Council adopt a ``code of ethics statement,'' similar to the U.S. Government's Authority of Public Law, 96-303. For instance, this law forbids engaging in back rooms deals, business and other unethical corruption, which is inconsistent with the righteous performance of duties.
Candidate Zaidi was fighting crime and gambling in Portsmouth while Pitts was playing with the coal trains. The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star headlined candidate Zaidi's single-handed battle and stance against closing I.C. Norcom High School.
On April 23, 1992, page 5 of the Currents, staff writer Alec Klein wrote: ``. . . Zaidi has taken that stand. He filed a federal lawsuit to save I.C. Norcom High School from being closed.''
Again on July 29, 1985, Mr. Klein wrote: ``...Muslim spreads word of hope,'' page D-3, The Virginian-Pilot: ``...At a meeting several months ago, Zaidi tried to organize a citizens crime watch in the Newtown area....Zaidi suggested that neighbors take an hour each night (on rotation shifts) to patrol the streets.''
Candidate Zaidi was the sole opposition and speaker to appear before the Virginia Racing Commission (held at City Hall) to denounce the City Council's attempt to bring horse racing to Portsmouth. He questioned the relocation of Fairwood Homes tenants and testified concerning the environmental dangers to humans and animals. The VRC apparently heeded certain environmental warnings after verification from the Environmental Protection Agency.
We would encourage all civic leagues and other forum schedulers to deal with candidate Zaidi in a fair manner. The next forum scheduled that excludes candidate Zaidi will face civil litigation. The systematic process of religious and political discrimination must cease.
The only voice bold enough to connect the Circuit Court Judge Johnny Morrison and other local investors to the recent riverboat gambling scheme at the candidate forums was Zaidi. Portsmouth's champion for what is right received the Martin Luther King Jr. National Civic Award in 1976 for doing the right thing.
To our friend and citizen Carrie Byrum, we respect her position and heartfelt opinion of candidate Pitts. However, we must keep the record clear and in plain view so that our voting population can make intelligent decisions on May 7, election day.
We invite all our citizens out to attend the candidate forums. Come listen and digest the issues independent of media or subliminal subduction.
Charlotte Scott
Bruin Drive
Chesapeake
April 21, 1996 Portsmouth Committee?
Who is the Portsmouth Committee? Gloria O. Webb, James C. Hawks and J. Thomas Benn III are its candidates. Who are we really electing, the committee or the candidates? What is the committee's agenda? We already have two candidates on council who were backed by the Portsmouth Committee ad. They were going to be for all the people but it seems they are for the committee.
If we are to vote and make that vote count, then let's elect real candidates not the hidden agenda Portsmouth Committee dupes of Webb, Hawks and Benn.
Another question is why are these candidates opposed to an ethics review commission? Perhaps, these questions answer themselves. An un-elected partnership appears to deem us voters so dumb that we can't figure out what is best for Portsmouth, so they need to direct us. But, apparently, they don't want us to know what they are really doing.
Therefore, they don't want any ethics in their politics, but we voters want principled politics and not the committee's scheme.
Henry Fallon
Park Manor Road
April 22, 1996 Check Pitts' conscience
This letter is in regard to the upcoming City Council election. It is appropriate at this time to offer the voting public in Portsmouth a rare glimpse of the current incumbents seeking re-election.
Cameron C. Pitts, who solicits himself as ``the conscience of council,'' was responsible for voting his approval to build another retail center in Churchland on valuable property owned by the taxpayers. This development was to include a three-acre mega discount store, which is currently in bankruptcy. However, Councilman Pitts refused to let his ``conscience'' consider irrefutable factual evidence produced by concerned citizens regarding the economic instability of the proposed retail center.
Councilman Pitts was not alone in this matter. He also was joined in ``conscience'' by Councilman James C. Hawks and Mayor Gloria O. Webb.
These three incumbents seeking reelection, Councilmen Pitts and Hawks and Mayor Webb also voted to locate the new regional jail in the backyards of our neighbors in Hattonsville at the end of Elmhurst Lane.
Also, Councilman Hawks was the strongest and most vocal supporter of casino boat gambling for the city of Portsmouth.
Citizens of Portsmouth, do you trust your conscience? Do you trust the conscience of Mayor Webb, Councilmen Hawks or Pitts to represent your conscience for the next four years?
V.L. Beecher
Sweetbriar Circle
April 25, 1996 Keep Cameron Pitts
We need to keep Cameron Pitts on City Council in order for retail sales to return to Portsmouth. He is the only person on council who has retail ownership experience and who operated a retail store successfully in Portsmouth for 20 years. He is particularly sensitive to the challenge of entrepreneurs and retail business ownership as it relates to signs, codes, upkeep and other restrictions that now exist in Portsmouth.
Mr. Pitts conceived and initiated the Business Retention and Expansion Committee and the Volunteer Goodwill Ambassador Program for Portsmouth. He also is chairman of the Midtown Vision 2005 Plan and is working to refurbish or reconstruct the MidCity shopping center to bring stores back to Portsmouth so we can put our money back into our city.
Councilman Pitts needs our vote to enable him to continue this effort to bring retail sales back to our city and to increase our tax base. If we change the chairman at this time we may lose the whole momentum that is now ongoing to bring retail stores back to Portsmouth. He is our retail sales expert on City Council and we need to keep him there, so that he can keep on working for us - the citizens of Portsmouth.
Chris Vatistas
Connor Place
April 23, 1996 RV Park good idea
Well, it is almost that time of year again - time for the Seawall Festival in June. Remember the success of the RVs being able to park downtown on a grassy lot in PortCentre on First Street? The RV Park started in 1994 with 15 RVs and grew to 150 in 1995. This year, the city is expecting more than 200 RVs. As you can see from the growing numbers, this great idea, which was proposed by Councilman Cameron C. Pitts, is really working and the RVers love it!
Most of the RVers who came to the Seawall Festival had been to numerous festivals, pig pickings and wine tastings before coming to Portsmouth. And, when some of them were interviewed, they said that this is the only one that's been supported by the city. The RVers felt the city of Portsmouth had really gone out of its way to welcome them and they had only good things to say about us.
When the festival was over, Councilman Pitts asked the RVers what the city could do to make it better in 1996 and and asked that they fill out a 20-question survey about their stay. The city received high marks on its security and the convenient location of the park. About 97 percent of the RVers said they would recommend the park to their friends.
The facts show that about half of the 150 RVers spent between $200 and $300 during the three-day festival and all said Portsmouth would be a good location for future RV rallies.
I am glad that we have Cameron Pitts on the City Council to make things happen for the people and it is just one more instance of his vision of caring for the citizens of Portsmouth and our visitors.
Furniold P. Phillips
Clintwood Drive
April 24, 1996 Holley? Think about it
During the late 1980s, I witnessed the stress that then Mayor James Holley subjected the citizens of Portsmouth to. His arrogance and unprofessional conduct kept our city in negative newspaper stories for many months.
We read about excessive travel of $33,000 annually, first-class plane tickets, expensive $400 per day hotel suites, thousands of dollars of personal long-distance phone calls, and obscene hate-filled letters on which his fingerprints were found.
Can we afford four more years of such excessive behavior?
Think about it!
J. Wayne Mangum
Weyanoke Drive
April 25, 1996 Our city needs leaders
Our city needs leaders that will take us into the 21st century. I believe Cameron C. Pitts to be one of those leaders. I have known Councilman Pitts for 32 years.
I first met Cam in the Washington, D.C., area where he and his wife, Paula, lived and Cam ran a business. He was hard working and diligent, but beyond that, he always had a vision. An example of this is contained in the story of how I first met Cam. My husband-to-be and I went down to the Chesapeake Bay to go out on the Pitts' cruiser. I was impressed that a young man would have a cruiser, but it wasn't until later that I learned how he acquired his yacht.
The yacht had blown up and the remains were for sale. Cam researched how much the engines were worth and made an offer that was accepted. He worked diligently to restore this burned out hulk, because he had a vision for a beautiful, sleek boat to motor on the Chesapeake Bay. He even had fashioned a helm that he put together with wood pegs. When he finished, his vision had become a reality. His heart, work and vision breathed life into that boat.
Cameron later returned to Portsmouth where he has lived most of his life. He wanted to start his own business, so he researched the possibilities, worked diligently and became a successful businessman. He got involved in local politics, working persistently for this city. He saw the problems of chemical-filled railroad cars crossing neighborhoods and with vision he set out to correct the problem. With vision he kept us from breathing tons of coal dust by having the coal barged to the plants, yet not alienating business. . . Cam has a vision for the city of Portsmouth. Portsmouth is not a burned out hulk, but the city does need restoration. Cam sees a city where the streets are safe for all citizens, where our schools win awards for excellence, where tourists come in droves, and where people come from all over Hampton Roads to shop Portsmouth.
Cam doesn't just say the words, he does the research, works out a plan and tirelessly labors until the vision is a reality because he visualizes Portsmouth as the ``shining star'' of Hampton Roads. . . Cam often quotes George Bernard Shaw: ``Some people see things as they are and say why? I see things as they could be and say why not.'' I say why not re-elect Councilman Cameron C. Pitts as our leader for the 21st century.
Kathryn Adorian Keefer
Templar Drive
April 25, 1996 We don't need negativism
Upon returning to Portsmouth, after serving 30 years in the U.S. Army, I have observed politics in Portsmouth with moderate interest. Recently, Councilman Cameron Pitts recommended the establishment of an Ethics Commission for the city with reference to his exposing ``back room deals.''
When I first considered the issue of an ethics commission for Portsmouth, my initial reaction was that it might be a good idea. Only when I discovered that Councilman Cameron Pitts has provided no evidence of any ethical breaches, did I then realize that perhaps this was a trumped up Pitts' campaign issue created to mislead the public. I don't know that I care for the implications.
The citizens should know a few facts on ethics:
The Virginia law already provides a Code of Ethics.
The commonwealth's attorney has investigative and prosecutorial authority over ethics violations.
The State Legislature previously considered establishing an ethics commission and rejected the concept, preferring specific ethics laws and criminal sanctions to enforce them.
The Pitts campaign for an ethics commission is a backhanded way of inferring that the members of City Council are all unethical. . .
Portsmouth does not need an ethics commission. We have the state law for protection, and the voters are the ultimate ethics commission. The citizens of Portsmouth need to elect responsible, honest, positive citizens to City Council. We need to elect council members who will concentrate on new business and more jobs, fighting crime and improving our neighborhoods. We should not elect anyone who deceives the public with fantasized ethics violations and misleads the public into thinking everyone in Portsmouth government is dishonest.
Joe McCarthy in the 1950s falsely accused almost everyone of being a Communist, without proof. Now, Mr. Pitts is insinuating that almost everyone but him is dishonest and unethical, without proof. We didn't need McCarthyism in the '50s and we don't need the negativism in the '90s to which Mr. Pitts alludes.
B.B. Hamaker
Tanbark Lane
April 24, 1996 Worthy of consideration
The election on May 7 for three city council positions is of utmost importance to the citizens of Portsmouth. You might ask yourself why would anyone want the responsibility and pressure that comes with the office. Every action you take both public and private is subject to intense scrutiny by the public, the press and other news media. It's a part-time job that consumes your full-time attention and the pay is not commensurate with the hours required in performance of your duties. There has to be a deep and sincere commitment towards serving the city and improving the quality of life for all of our citizens.
Two candidates, James C. Hawks and J. Thomas Benn III, possess unique and exceptional qualifications and are worthy of your most serious consideration. Both candidates have outstanding records of public service, Mr. Hawks with eight years on the Portsmouth City Council and Mr. Benn with eight years on the Portsmouth School Board. They have unblemished personal qualities and the energy, integrity, commitment and professionalism to become part of a team that will move Portsmouth forward. I am sure that if elected their actions will be in the best interest of all our citizens and go a long way toward restoring our reputation as one of the best places to live and raise a family in the Hampton Roads community.
Pete Darden
Clover Hill Drive
April 25, 1996 Optimist Club an asset
Congratulations to the Optimist Club of Portsmouth for hosting the Capital-Virginia District Zone 3 Optimist Oratorical Contest on April 10 at West End United Methodist Church.
I, along with Thelma Joyner-Riddick, and Alan Gollihue had the honor of serving as judges for the contest - and were we ever in for a treat! Ten young people presented talks on the topic, ``Now is the Time.'' We were all very impressed by the depth of the speeches, the thought that went into the individual messages and the maturity of the presenters. We were equally impressed with the organization of the event and the care of each Optimist to ensure an impartial atmosphere.
The Optimist Oratorical Contest has been in existence since 1928 and has seen many notable oratorical winners. The program fosters self-improvement of the contestants, which is open to youth under the age of 16, thus helping develop special skills for their formative years. The Optimist Club deserves recognition for their commitment to upholding this tradition in Portsmouth. It, indeed, opens doors for our youth by instilling in them confidence, by challenging their creativity, and by teaching them to reach for the brass ring. The Optimist Club of Portsmouth is a great asset to our community.
Carol E. Pratt
Colonial Lane
April 24, 1996 Promises fulfilled
It is so refreshing to have a city councilman by the name of Cameron C. Pitts who has fulfilled the promises he made to the citizens of Portsmouth. He promised a real estate tax freeze for senior citizens - and he delivered. Also, he promised no illegal or unethical back room deals be kept secret - and he delivered.
. . . It does not matter whether the issue is riverboat gambling - which he made sure the citizens knew just what a few were planning on doing to the many - or if the issue is spending accountability for the school board. If he had not found out that the school administration had overspent some of its line items and asked about it, very possibly the City of Portsmouth could have been headed to the same situation of Virginia Beach. He found out that the school administration was not giving City Council the accounting they were supposed to by charter. Cameron Pitts insisted they do just that. This is just one more instance that increases your belief that the ethics commission he proposed is necessary.
And, if you have attended any of the forums, you have heard citizens ask about the stormwater tax that the homeowners are paying. Each homeowner is paying a stormwater tax of $3.50 per month and the money is being used by the city for many things other than its intended purpose. Cameron Pitts feels that the Stormwater Management Program needs a complete overhaul and, as a homeowner, this makes me feel that he is really working for the citizens of our city. . .
Bert Dodd
Viola Terrace
April 25, 1996 The people's candidate
Well, Portsmouth, it's that time of year. It's now that we decide who is to help run our fair city by voting for a mayor and city council persons. My choice is Bernard D. Griffin Sr.
I have known Mr. Griffin since I was a youngster. He is a very conscientious and caring person. My mother worked with him when he was president of the NAACP. She was very secure in his work for the Afro-American of our city and also for people in general. He's a firm believer in racial harmony, more economic development, creating a better tax base and is a strong supporter of our senior citizens.
Mr. Griffin is my choice as a strong, dependable leader. On May 7, before you do anything, cast your vote for Bernard D. Griffin Sr., the people's candidate.
DeBorah Sweatt
Yorktown Avenue
April 23, 1996 Re-elect Councilman Pitts
A vote against Cameron Pitts because he supported having a carousel in the Children's Museum of Virginia would be like voting against Walt Disney for designing Disneyland during the 1940s.
Like Mr. Disney, Portsmouth City Councilman Cameron Pitts has a vision, the vision ``...that we (Portsmouth) will become a great, unique, multicultural, centrally located community where people care for each other and feel good about themselves as we work and play together.'' (This vision is much like the reality the Disney Parks portray all over the world.)
With his vision, he is trying to make Portsmouth - with our history, museums, antiques, art, culture and Children's Museum of Virginia - a tourist's choice destination.
Let's build our dream together and re-elect Councilman Pitts.
Dawn M. Wyatt
Channing Avenue
April 25, 1996 Community commitment
As I read the April 21 edition of The Virginian-Pilot, three articles made me proud to live in Portsmouth, one in the metro news section: ``Two longtime gadflies seek election,'' the second in Ida Kay's Portsmouth: ``Community strength is based in its roots,'' and the third in the Currents section: ``In their own words.''
Karen Jordan and Keith Nance, the two gadfly school board candidates, are my dear friends. I can testify on their behalf that they have been active in the community since Dr. Edwards served as superintendent of Portsmouth Schools. Before they take on a commitment, they listen to everyone's opinion, they research their subject - both have perpetual writer's cramp from signing Freedom of Information form requests - and they discuss options with each and everyone who may be or may not be interested. Consequently, they know the problems our city and school system face and are willing to put the time and energy into making Portsmouth a better place to live and learn. Yes, they are persistent, but for a reason - for a better community.
Karen Jordan and Keith Nance are not alone in having strong ties to their neighborhoods and accomplishing good things for Portsmouth. Ida Kay's article saluting the Cradock United Methodist Church's Marable Bible Class' 50th anniversary is another outstanding example. Their devotion to God, to family, to friends and to community is a blessing to all of Portsmouth.
The third example of loyalty resulting in a better Portsmouth was found in ``In their own words,'' where all the candidates had admirable visions for Portsmouth, but only one spoke with the experience of civic democracy, Cameron Pitts.
Councilman Pitts' slogan: ``Citizens' candidate'' supports ``community strength is in its roots.'' His 12 years as a civic league president is a testimony to his commitment to the community. His move on establishing an ethics commission and a code of ethics for Portsmouth is commendable, it shows that he is proud of his actions at city hall and has no qualms about providing reasons for making those choices.
It is citizens like these folks who make living in Cradock - living in Portsmouth - a joy even when ``deterioration in the area abounds.''
As James Gildea, city planning director, says, ``...these loyal feelings for community are exactly what will serve Portsmouth well in the future.''
Dottie Wyatt
Channing Avenue
April 21, 1996 Why not endorse Holley ?
In response to the letter published in the April 23 edition of the Portsmouth Currents titled ``Why endorse Holley?'', I would like to respond by saying, ``Why not?''
I think that it is imperative that we, the citizens of Portsmouth, including the writer of this letter, know the truth. We, the citizens, have been caught up in a diabolical lie set into motion basically to attempt to destroy a fair and decent man and to keep this city divided.
I agree, it is truly a shame that 13,439 citizens of Portsmouth bought into a lie on Dec. 16, 1987, casting their ballot for recall.
The citizens should remember who benefited the most from the recall (the then-vice mayor and now incumbent mayor).
There was an ``secret deal'' in which a commitment was made by then-Vice Mayor Gloria O. Webb to support an African-American as vice mayor for her active participation in the recall. This ``secret deal'' was cut in the council chambers on the evening of a scheduled council meeting; in fact petitions for recall were passed by the incumbent mayor for signatures right in council chambers. Then, Vice Mayor Webb was a driving force in the recall effort with all to gain and nothing to lose.
The ``secret deal'' that Vice Mayor Webb cut was never consummated because, upon her election as mayor, her vote and her support went to Bob Gray rather than the African American to become vice mayor.
The incumbent mayor, herself, was the subject of a citizen aborted recall that stemmed from ``secret back-room deals.''
It is a fact that a resolution was introduced to the Federation of Civic Leagues by one of the civic leagues to censure the mayor and ask for her resignation because of secret closed door bonuses. Following a period when calmness was called for, the initiative to carry out the recall and the effort to censure were stopped by citizens in an effort to spare Portsmouth from having recalled two of its elected officials. The citizens aborted recall effort against Mayor Gloria Webb was, in fact, real and justifiable.
The citizens should also know that the accusations made during the time of the recall referencing abuse of traveling funds were unfounded. There were three audits - city, state and federal - no discrepancies were found.
It is now the time for all of the citizens of Portsmouth to start the healing process and on May 7, cast your vote for the only one of these candidates (Dr. James W. Holley III) who is able to bring this city back from the debts of economic disaster that it currently faces.
Mrs. B.H. Black
Portsmouth
April 24, 1996 Elect competent persons
After attending the recent forum for school board candidates sponsored by The Virginian-Pilot, it is clear that a number of misconceptions and misrepresentations are confusing what should be an uncomplicated process. No doubt, all the candidates want what is best for our children, but from what was said at the forum, it is clear that not all the candidates have the aptitude for the job.
It is a serious concern when candidates with no apparent experience or expertise in financial or budgetary matters express the fear of a repeat of the Virginia Beach fiasco as a reason for their candidacy and seek to replace two incumbents like Larry I'Anson and Jim Bridgeford, whose regular occupations involve budgets and finance. In fact, the board relies on these men's review and evaluation of the monthly financial reports presented by the administration. They are primarily responsible for our current effort to employ an independent auditor. Of the other candidates, only V.W. Goodman and Douglas Eames appear to have appropriate backgrounds or experience for dealing with this aspect of the position.
Likewise, it is a matter of concern when candidates, with only a hearsay idea of the financial and logistical problems involved in the restoration of the vocational education program, render their criticism without any genuine understanding of the vocational opportunities available through the system.
It is a justifiable concern that the SAT scores of our students are lower than we would like. However, to link the low SAT scores to the cost per student for educating our children, and thereby suggest financial mismanagement by the school administration and lack of oversight by the school board is disingenuous and represents a lack of understanding of the nature of the problem. The cost per student of education in Portsmouth, can be directly related to the high cost of special education and the fact that Portsmouth has the highest percentage of special education students in the area.
With respect to the SAT scores, the school board has recently engaged The College Board, the national organization which administers the SAT and other tests, to begin implementation of Equity 2000, a program which requires systemic educational reform and operates on the premise that all children can learn when provided with appropriate support and an environment of high expectations. This concert is designed to improve performance and test scores. The program will begin in our middle schools this fall, largely because of the support of board members like Sis Walden. The work to implement this program began long before any of the candidates announced their intention to seek the office. Except for incumbents, it appears that only Elijah ``Buddy'' Sharp and Dr. David Joyner understand these considerations.
Finally, it is a matter of grave concern that, to my observation, the candidates who are most vocal in their criticism of the school administration and School Board have not seen fit to bring their concerns, criticism or suggestions to the board where they can be considered and acted upon. Of the candidates, only Keith Nance and Douglas Eames have appeared at more than a single meeting, to my knowledge.
Except for Elizabeth Daniels, Karen Jordan and Mary Nelson, to my knowledge, none of the other candidates have ever attended a single meeting of the board.
How can these candidates now be so vocal in their criticism when they have not seen fit to attend the meetings, which are open to the public, and bring their concerns to the attention of the school board on which they now seek to sit. Maybe it is ``just politics'' as I recently heard one candidate say, but it seems to me that this behavior does not demonstrate the character, integrity and responsibility the position requires and deserves.
The operation of our schools is a serious business, and those who serve on the school board need to be suited to the task. The school board establishes the policy for the operation of our schools. It is not a forum for political agenda and stump speeches. I hope the citizens of Portsmouth will take a careful look at the candidates before May 7 and elect competent and responsible persons, such as those whose candidacies have been endorsed by organizations such as the Portsmouth Education Association. These endorsements are not accidental. I am authorized to say the Elder Charles H. Bowens II, Mary L. Curran and Ray A. Smith concur with these views.
Pete Kloeppel
Swimming Point
April 24, 1996 Remember Cameron Pitts
Unusual circumstances surrounding Councilman Cameron Pitts led to this first letter ever from me regarding political candidates. Maybe it will help others looking for their answers.
Remember:
When you were taught we had government of the people, by the people and for the people?
When you expected public business to be conducted publicly? When you thought your representative to the local government would represent your interests and the best interests in Portsmouth?
When you thought that ideas and decisions, if honorable, needed no hiding from the people?
Remember:
When, in your heart, you wondered how many public servants really cared about the public interest? How many elected officials would do the right and honorable thing if it cost them politically? If it would cost them big in terms of campaign funds from the monied interests, the ``power elite'' the establishment in major Portsmouth political circles?
When you had your own views of things, your own complaints but were not in a mood to carry them forward?
When you were younger and heard the ``dreams, visions'' etc. and promises of a brighter tomorrow but that tomorrow never came?
And remember last year:
When after more than a year of special, so called City Council meetings, it emerged:
The city had formed a committee to review riverboat gambling proposals. The ``winning'' bidder (with no local investors) lost, the runner-up (with nine prominent local investors, including a judge) ``won'' and then:
A council majority wanted to begin negotiations with the new ``winner'' in a contract requiring sale of a prime waterfront property regardless of the Portsmouth City Charter? Because the charter requires a three-fourths majority to sell city property and the riverboat advocates did not have it.
And remember:
When Councilman Cameron Pitts exposed the whole venture the ``elite'' started running for cover? . . .
And Mr. Pitts' former running mate, Councilman James Hawks announced there would be ``repercussions'' against Mr. Pitts for his exposure? (The Virginian-Pilot, January 1995). And there were. And Mr. Pitts knew there would be. . . .
The monied interests may have the money. Now it is time to see who has the votes.
You have three candidates.
Remember Cameron Pitts.
Jesse H. Overton Jr.
Cradock
April 24, 1995 by CNB