Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 9, 1993 TAG: 9310280324
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KENNETH D. TUCK
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As a liaison person for legislative actions, I've had the opportunity in recent years to visit Richmond frequently during the legislative session. His office is constantly a beehive of activity, usually from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Virtually every state official, legislator or individual with an interest in seeing some bill passed or defeated is trying to see Cranwell.
He also makes time to talk to each citizen who is interested in legislative matters. I've stood outside his door while he has talked at length with elementary and high-school students, and Virginians from all walks of life. I can give testimony to the fact that Cranwell is forthright in telling you his position on legislation and will offer advice on how to make the legislation acceptable for Virginia.
He truly gives of himself and his time, both in Richmond and when the legislature is not in session. Conservatively, I would suggest that 50 percent of his time during the off-season is spent on legislative matters. His contributions to the economic progress of the Roanoke area and Southwest Virginia are huge. Without his efforts, Roanoke wouldn't have a new airport, would have no Center in the Square, and no Virginia Games - the Junior Olympics that provide athletic competition for more than 4,000 young Virginians every summer. Make no mistake about it, Richmond and Tidewater are trying desperately to get the Virginia Games. It's been through Cranwell's efforts that we've been able to keep them in the Roanoke Valley.
I cannot understand why the Roanoke Times & World-News would take such a negative attitude toward one of Southwest Virginia's most important assets and one of Virginia's finest legislators. I was particularly pained that Cranwell was criticized in your editorial section after he came forward with what seems to be perfectly reasonable legislation designed to clarify any misunderstanding between citizens and the citizen-legislature as to what is expected of lawmakers.
Cranwell is one of the few remaining legislators in a position, through seniority and committee assignments, to effectively combat the urban crescent's attempt to strip us in Southwest Virginia of our fair share of funds for roads, schools and other vital needs. I find it curious, to say the least, that you seem to have a personal vendetta against him.
\ Kenneth D. Tuck is an ophthalmologist in Roanoke.
by CNB