DATE: Friday, October 31, 1997              TAG: 9710310010

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  130 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

CAMPAIGN '97

Protect the people,

vote for Democrats

I can remember the Hoover days, when people lost homes and bank accounts. Roosevelt took over, and as he set out to save the country, he was opposed by the Republicans. They opposed the 25-cent-per-hour minimum wage, the 40-hour workweek, Social Security and Medicare.

The Republicans are still trying to destroy Social Security. Massive fraud is hurting Medicare. Only President Clinton is keeping the radical Republicans from doing a hatchet job on the programs that help millions. The recent tax cuts that were passed mostly help the well-off.

The state of Virginia is on the same course. The car tax removal is another move for the well-off. The Republicans want charter schools, vouchers for private schools and, of course, no gun control.

I really think that Beyer is the man for governor - a solid businessman and no lawyer.

I say vote Democratic for House of Delegates in Virginia to protect the people.

Sam L. Callis

Suffolk, Oct. 23, 1997

Virginia Beach

Kellam has qualities

for revenue post

Having resided in Virginia Beach for more than 30 years, I have been acquainted with numerous civic-minded individuals who have aspired to be elected to public office.

Philip J. Kellam has years of job experience, analytical reasoning, judgment and a willingness to pursue technological innovations. Kellam is particularly well-qualified to assume the office of commissioner of revenue for the city of Virginia Beach, and I strongly endorse and recommend him.

Kent J. ``Curly'' Weber

Virginia Beach, Oct. 27, 1997

CPA Richards is

the logical choice

I have been involved in partisan politics most of my adult life. However, sometimes the selection of a candidate goes beyond party loyalty, friendship and political favors. Such is the case when selecting constitutional officers, especially those accountable for the financial structure of a city.

In the contest for Virginia Beach's commissioner of revenue, Rickie L. Richards stands out as the overwhelmingly qualified candidate. As a certified public accountant with 20-plus years in public finance, he is the logical choice for the office.

Wally Erb

Virginia Beach, Oct. 26, 1997

Why you should

vote for Phil Kellam

I will vote for Philip J. Kellam because of his integrity and service to the community. I rebut the points listed in your endorsement of Rickie L. Richards as follows:

Since Phil Kellam is younger than Rickie Richards, it would be impossible for him to have comparable years of service in city government.

The fact that his opponent is a CPA does not qualify him as a skilled manager. As recently reported in The Pilot, the current nominee for IRS director is not a tax lawyer, yet he is credited with having the ability to handle the complex technology issues to modernize the IRS.

A visit to Mr. Kellam's web page informs voters that, if elected, he will establish an online data link providing 24-hour access to the office of the commissioner of the revenue. His philosophy is to be ``online'' so the taxpayer need not stand ``in line.''

In addition, his plan for conveniently located satellite offices during busy taxpayer periods enforces my opinion that he is more than qualified for the job.

Patricia Urbank

Virginia Beach, Oct. 23, 1997

A secret Democrat?

Phil Kellam must think he is really slick, ``conveniently'' leaving his party affiliation off all of his huge campaign signs. Is he not pround to be a Democrat?

Bruce J. Meyer

Virginia Beach, Oct. 27, 1997

Kellam backpedals

on car-tax cuts

While shopping at Builders Square in Virginia Beach, I witnessed a political conversation that was most perplexing. Phil Kellam was arguing with customers who were taking him to task on his inability to answer a question about the elimination of the car tax.

I was particularly shocked at his extremely defensive vocalizations and obvious backpedaling. He even tried to explain that although he is running as a Democrat, he is really an independent.

Even though the slick ads imply Mr. Kellam has the courage of his convictions, in person it is obvious that he does not.

Daniel R. Morris

Virginia Beach, Oct. 27, 1997

Double-talk has

this voter spinning

Has anyone else been confused by all the double-talk in this year's campaign? Don Beyer was first against eliminating the personal-property tax in Virginia, and then when he realized that the majority of voters were for it, he changed his mind . . . well kind of. His plan is so confusing I'm not sure what he believes.

And why does Phil Kellam keep side-stepping the issue instead of taking a real firm stand? I am further frustrated that so many elected officials are unopposed this year.

Tracy Mollo

Virginia Beach, Oct. 27, 1997

CHESAPEAKE

Graeber smear

reflects on her

Beverly Graeber's recent proclamation that Don Williams was late in paying real estate taxes on investment property in Chesapeake is an indication of her character, as she promised to run a high-road campaign for the 86th District, not a smear campaign.

During the '90s economic recession, Don Williams was one of three owners of a number of investment properties in Chesapeake. Due to a high vacancy rate, the properties did not have a positive cash flow.

By June 1994, all taxes had been paid in full, including interest and fees.

Don Williams is a most respected entrepreneurial businessman from within our community who has survived several economic downturns at no expense to the taxpayers. Don deserves our support for all that he has done for the betterment of our community.

Candidates, let's run and manage the campaigns on issues relevant to the election.

Charles D. Robison III

Norfolk, Oct. 27, 1997

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu