THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 2, 1996 TAG: 9608020002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 34 lines
As the supervisor representing Northampton County District 2, which includes the town of Cape Charles, I found ``Local corruption'' (editorial July 15) somewhat presumptuous and inflammatory. While no one is more supportive of the highest standards of ethical conduct by public officials than I am, there are several issues I would like to bring to your attention:
Ella Stratton has been suspended from her duties as treasurer pending the outcome of the trial and, consequently, does not remain on the job.
As a board member who is charged with addressing the economic needs of our community, I concur that ``it is a tricky proposition to attract investment to the Eastern Shore of Virginia,'' and further believe that not only does the type of conduct addressed in the indictments make the task more difficult, so do editorials that convict public officials prior to completion of the legal process.
It should be clearly conveyed to the public that most of the issues you addressed in your editorial have been well on their way to resolution prior to the three mentioned indictments. First, Cape Charles now has a part-time town manager. Second, the Northampton County administrator has worked directly with the town in addressing its financial woes and developing its FY 1996-1997 budget. Most important, the people of Cape Charles addressed their concerns through the recent election, where three new Town Council members and a new mayor were elected.
JOHN W. WHITE SR.
Northampton County Board of
Supervisors
Cape Charles, July 16, 1996 by CNB