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

DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996                 TAG: 9606210198
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 06   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Editorial 
                                            LENGTH:   30 lines

MAYOR CAN'T DO IT ALONE: WORK WITH HOLLEY

Next Sunday when Dr. James W. Holley III is sworn in as mayor for the next four years will mark an important date - not only for Holley but for the city.

Holley has the distinction of being the first mayor in Virginia recalled from office by a vote of the people. He was replaced by Gloria Webb, who later was re-elected to two terms of her own. Then Holley topped the ballot over Webb in the May elections.

It is a tangled web that puts Portsmouth people in a tough spot. But it is a real place and the residents of this city must deal with it.

Holley was a good mayor in the past, a real cheerleader for Portsmouth. Unfortunately, he also was a big spender. In addition, he apparently was involved in a hate-mail scheme that led to his recall.

Holley said during the election campaign that he intended to return as the cheerleader, aiming to bring the people of this city together. But Holley alone cannot bring together the various elements of the population, some of whom would rather fight than win. It's going to take all of us working together toward a common goal if Portsmouth is going to progress.

Those who voted for Webb or for Frank Harte, even those who didn't vote, must accept the outcome of the election as the way it is in a democratic society. A majority of people, both black and white, have given Holley a second chance. Now they also must step forward to help him keep true to his word to bring the city together and to move it forward. He can't do it alone. by CNB