THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 12, 1996 TAG: 9608090011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
Editorial writer Patrick Lackey's column (Perspectives, Aug. 1), which compared the economic growth of the Richmond area with that of Hampton Roads, pointed out that the economic fortunes of both regions have changed dramatically. The Richmond area for the better, Hampton Roads for the worse.
Better highway and rail access and a more-stable water supply are advantages for the Greater Richmond area. However, the most-important factor in that area's growth may well be due to Richmond business leaders' pressure on political leaders to quit squabbling and to cooperate.
Conversely, the biggest detriment to quality economic growth for Hampton Roads may be found in Mr. Lackey's comment, ``If Hampton Roads leaders (I read political leaders) continue to go their separate ways, this region will fall farther behind an energized and more united Greater Richmond.''
``Inter-city cooperation'' appears to an oxymoron among the elected officials of Hampton Roads. Until either local politicians get the message or we get new political leadership, new jobs, per-capita income and the other measures of economic growth will continue to languish.
TERRY EIKENBERY
Virginia Beach, Aug. 1, 1996 by CNB