ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996 TAG: 9602270017
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
TYPE: LETTERS
This is in response to Richard Hunter's letter in the New River Valley Current Feb. 18.
Mr. Hunter, I am one of those "suicidal downtown Blacksburg merchants" you spoke so unkindly of in your discourse on the parking situation in our downtown area.
Do you really believe the merchants are going out of their way to send customers to other places? We are well aware of the tight, and at times frustrating, parking situation. This is the reason some merchants give out parking tokens. My partner and I often make change for people, and when that is not possible, we just give them a quarter. We have at times watched meters for customers parked in front of our store while they shopped elsewhere.
What disturbs me even more, though, in your letter is the way you berate Tek-Tow, aka "the circling vultures," because you perceive them as waiting to tow cars before the wheels have stopped rolling. I would assume, since you can write, that you can read. "Private parking, towing enforced" is clearly written in front of the spaces Tek-Tow monitors. There is no reason for someone to just pick a private parking space (or a handicap space), get towed, and then blame the town and the towing service.
By the way, I feel all the parking spots at Wal-Mart should be labeled "large buildings may appear closer than they actually are." You do a considerable amount of walking in The Marketplace area - perhaps the same amount as in downtown America.
Judy Murray
Owner of Fringe Benefit
Town was right to buy Lowe's building
The town of Christiansburg had the wisdom and good timing to purchase the former Lowe's facility at Cambria and North Franklin streets. It is centrally located and will, when reconstructed, serve many of the recreational needs of the residents of Christiansburg.
It is unfortunate that one of the largest snowfalls of this century collapsed the roof. Due to good management, the town's insurance will help restore the roof to first-class condition. Second-guessing the wisdom and desirability of the decisions of Town Council cannot undo the wrath of nature. Those who complain the most need to understand that John Lemley as town manager would not and will not allow the sports facility to be opened unless it will meet high safety requirements.
I support Christiansburg's decision to provide first-class facilities as resources are available. We are fortunate that Town Council has the vision to work responsibly within reasonable financial constraints. Starting all over on this project would be foolish and a waste of taxpayers' hard-earned money.
Jon Halberstadt
Christiansburg
Supervisor's remark needs an explanation
I attended the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday, Feb. 12, where the School Board presented its budget. At that meeting, Supervisor Nick Rush suggested that the School Board ask the state to increase taxes to fund our school budget. I wonder if Mr. Rush understands how schools are funded.
Gov. George Allen has asked localities to take on more responsibility for school funding. Our share of state money for education is based on an index of each community's ability to pay, which, as calculated, indicates Montgomery County does not fund schools to our ability. Systems that make a greater effort to fund their schools get more state money.
I think Mr. Rush owes the residents of the county an explanation. I do not understand his suggestion that the School Board should ask the state to raise our taxes. Is Mr. Rush trying to pass the buck?
Bonnie Triplett
Blacksburg
LENGTH: Medium: 73 linesby CNB