THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 21, 1996 TAG: 9606200195
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 73 lines
It is my understanding that state Sen. Ken Stolle is running for attorney general. I would hope that he will be a candidate who listens to people who have problems that concern the state as a whole, not one who smiles, shakes hands, munches on a hot dog, pizza, egg roll or a knish in ethnic areas.
My campaign has already started. The first endorsement came May 20 in a Virginian-Pilot editorial.
Gambling for most of those who can gamble are enjoying it because they gamble within their means. For some, gambling destroys lives. I can talk about the bad and good as I look back on the past 45 years. I gambled compulsively, ruined my marriage, and caused heartaches to myself, family and friends. Thanks to an advertisement and a toll-free telephone number that a family member found in New York, I entered Gamblers Anonymous and the last 24 years plus, my life has been most productive.
About 18 states that run lotteries now print this message on the back of the ticket: ``If you or someone has a gambling problem, call the 800 number.'' The state of Texas leads the country; it gives $2 million a year for the treatment and education of compulsive gambling. In downtown Baltimore, thanks to the Maryland legislature, a treatment center was opened.
The epidemic of gambling throughout the country has spread to Hampton Roads. I am told by the management of Colonial Downs' off-track betting parlor in Chesapeake that within a few months another OTB will open in Richmond. They are doing some 30 percent more business than projected.
I urge Sen. Stolle to help. The last sentence from The Virginian-Pilot editorial reads: ``The state should point the way to rescue gamblers in trouble.'' Several years ago, I invited Sen. Stolle to attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, which he did. I thank him for that. He heard the sad stories, saw the tears from the wives, then he told me he would see what he could do.
As of today, I haven't heard from him. I have tried the past three months to see him to no avail. To date, I have spoken to several fellow legislators who have shown a keen interest to help and I will continue to speak to others across the state.
Harvey Markman Safety policy is illogical
It has been reported that government is concerned over the death of 19 children over the last seven years as a result of air bags in cars involved in crashes. So, such benevolent government will embark on a program to spend hundreds of millions in tax dollars to educate the public on the proper use of restraints for children. And I wouldn't be surprised to learn that hundreds of dollars will be added to the cost of millions of automobiles to make them safer and cutting down such unnecessary deaths by half (or to save plus or minus 10 children in a population of plus 250 million).
My question is this: Is this the same government, now concerned over 19 deaths, that has legalized the termination of human life (abortion), which caused 10 million children to die in the same seven years? Is there a little irony here or is it my brain betraying me in my old age? Don't our bureaucrats have better things to do with our exhorted tax dollars?
Warren E. Boisselle
May 22 Offer classes after hours
In reviewing the Parks and Recreation Department's recently released 1996 Summer Guide, I was disappointed that most classes are offered between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. I am a working mother with a 9-year-old son in day care. This unfortunately eliminates the possibility of my family being able to attend most of the classes. Children in full-time day care generally do not have someone available to drive them to the recreation center.
I believe Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation offers a wonderful variety of programs. I would, however, like to see more consideration paid to the numerous families like my own who find themselves in the same situation.
Lisa Mullings
June 11 by CNB