THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, May 18, 1996                 TAG: 9605170034
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   31 lines

HOLLEY WELL-CHOSEN BY VOTERS

Regarding ``Voters chose well, mainly'' (editorial, May 9) and the statements: ``Their most-questionable decisions were those returning to power former Portsmouth Mayor James W. Holley III.

Holley was recalled from office in 1987 under a well-deserved cloud of suspicion, but apparently all was forgiven - or at least forgotten - on Tuesday. His return could be a blow to the progress Portsmouth has made under Mayor Gloria Webb, since Holley is less enthusiastic than she about the city's Vision 2005 plan for development. But Holley will have to work with a strong City Council whose member favor such initiatives.''

We have not forgotten The Virginian-Pilot. Is is hereby nominated for the World's Most Well-Deserved Cloud of Suspicion Reporting and Opinions Award.

I and perhaps other Portsmouth voters will be watching to see if the ``strong City Council'' (including Hizonor) will be strong enough to look beyond the prevailing catchword and dedicate itself to a stronger Portsmouth - for now, tomorrow, 2005 and beyond.

HELEN HAMPTON JONES

Portsmouth, May 9, 1996 by CNB