THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 3, 1996 TAG: 9611010198
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: 140 lines
``Yes'' vote will protect state retirement funds
The first referendum on the ballot merits attention.
It will change the Virginia Retirement System into an independent trust fund, guaranteeing that public employees' pension funds are used exclusively for the intended purpose of providing retirement benefits for teachers, state employees, state police officers, state judges and some political subdivision employees.
This constitutional amendment will not increase taxes, today or tomorrow. It will not increase public employee benefits, now or in the future.
What it will do is protect employee pension funds from raiding as a quick fix to balance the state budget. The Virginia General Assembly has balanced its budget with this quick fix raiding scheme, not once but four times in the last 10 years alone.
Such short-term solutions are shortsighted, often causing future tax increases to meet obligations. In both the 1995 and 1996 sessions of the Virginia General Assembly, state legislators voted unanimously in favor of this constitutional referendum.
All employees consider their salary the most valuable benefit they earn. The second most valuable benefit is their pension. We want to protect the assets of the Virginia Retirement System to ensure that these funds are there for VRS members and their families in the future.
We ask for a ``Yes'' vote on Constitutional Amendment Question 1.
Amanda R. Rodgers
Legislative Committee
Suffolk Retired Teachers Association
Vote of confidence shows 7 people fooled
Shades of the past. Late in the Oct. 16 City Council meeting, City Manager Myles Standish got a unanimous vote of confidence.
According to information furnished after the meeting to the media by council members, wonderful things have happened since Standish's arrival in Suffolk - firm financial policies, new utililty fees and a comprehensive planning blueprint.
Now let us remove the smoke and present the facts:
Restructuring of financial policies started before Standish ever got his foot in the door - with the 1992 council election and selection of a new mayor.
First to be improved was the unappropriated fund balance, which, under the bankrupt policies of the previous council and City Manager John Rowe, had dwindled to about $500,000. The city treasurer for years had requested council for the standby to borrow $5 million to ensure that the city could meet its financial commitments. By July 1996, the fund balance was more than $10 million.
The present manager is not and was not capable of this accomplishment. Look at his record of violating the Code of Virginia and the City Charter in his budgetary policies and his creation of more and higher-paid staff members.
Adopting a utility policy and the means to pay for expansion was begun before Standish was hired. Remember the Water Resources Recovery Fees?
As for the planning blueprint, the city is required to revise its comprehensive policy every five years.
Council is supposed to set policy, and the manager and his staff are to carry it out. Oh, if it were only true.
Councilmen Samuel Carter and S. Chris Jones indicated that Standish had worked hard and was doing a good job. Don't be misled. The only difficult thing Standish has accomplished is to win over the support of Mayor Thomas Underwood and Councilman Carter. That should not surprise anyone, as Carter follows Underwood's lead.
One way to simplify things and speed up council meetings is to place everything on the Consent Agenda and provide each council member with a rubber stamp. As Councilman Curtis Milteer is fond of saying, everyone would be reading from the same sheet of music.
Mr. Standish had only to fool seven out of a population of over 52,000 in Suffolk. They just happen to be the ones who can hire and fire him.
What is really amazing about the unanimous show of support for Standish is that, when you speak to council members individually, they do not feel that way. Politicians learn early to speak out of both sides of their mouths.
Lest you forget, Mr. Standish was a protege of Mr. Rowe. Council bailed Rowe out repeatedly until the water got too hot, then self preservation took over and he was shown the door. Like teacher, like student.
Talmadge C. Jones
Harbor Road
Suffolk ``Viper'' media misleads
The media might as well be a viper in tall grass.
Recently, following a lecture by Philip Vincent on character education in schools, I was asked my opinion by a reporter of The Sun. About one-tenth of all that I said was published, and even that meager fraction contained misquoted material and certain analogies taken completely out of their context. I spoke for at least five minutes with the reporter, explaining to her how morality is largely responsible for a child's developing character, that morality, in essence, composes one's character. Strangely enough, the reporter got out of this statement that I said, ``Morality is a component of character.'' Here lies the issue.
I am not addressing only this personal injustice, but, in general, the injustices all media get away with. With this generation's children increasingly seeking as their consoler the tube as opposed to their parents, reporters must re-evaluate what they publish. Certainly, the media hold a very strong sway over our children. They must take their responsibility seriously. A significant number of daytime dramas and television talk shows, for example, contain material unhealthy for young viewers.
Often, also, reporters spread false or corrupting information, perhaps out of a competitive spirit or perhaps stark laziness. The media must realize their impact, rein in their tendencies to misrepresent, improvise or simply misquote.
Emily Esmaili
Kings Fork Road
Suffolk
A continuing tradition
It was brought up to the PTA that maybe it was time for John F. Kennedy Middle School to have an official logo - not just something borrowed from the high school, but something to officially represent the middle school.
It was also brought up that the middle school should keep the original logo and just make it official with a vote of confidence from the students, staff, parents, the community and many alumni.
The overwhelming support is because of the extensive history of JFK, the many achievements of its alumni and the sentimental feeling associated with the logo and colors.
The wonderful history associated with the Wolverines goes back many years, starting before JFK was built. Our feeling is that history should be preserved, not destroyed. It is with great honor and respect that JFKMS will carry on the great ``Wolverine'' tradition and proudly wear the colors, black and gold.
We would like to thank everyone for their input. We look forward to your continued support in helping JFK continue its proud tradition.
Marcie Mitchell
President, JFKMS PTA
Thanks, Driver fans
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and thanks to all the citizens of Suffolk and surrounding areas for their support and participation in the recent annual Driver Days celebration, Oct. 26 and 27.
The enthusiasm and hard work of all the vendors, crafters, re-enactors, entertainers and local merchants was overwhelming and contributed to the great success of our annual festival.
Thanks to all for a job well done. We put ``Downtown Driver'' on the map! See y'all next year!
Dennis Vosburgh
Cavalier Road
Suffolk by CNB