
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994                    TAG: 9406240280 
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER                     PAGE: 06    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Short 
DATELINE: 940626                                 LENGTH:

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT DECISION

{LEAD} Chesapeake voters, who have elected racially balanced city councils consistently for two decades, stand accused by the U.S. Justice Department of racism.

``Persistent and severe polarization along racial lines'' in Chesapeake's voting record raises doubt that black candidates for the School Board could get a fair shake in at-large elections, federal investigators said.

{REST} This pronouncement comes as a shock to a city that has long thought of itself as a model of racial inclusion. Residents of all races are proud of the way they share the powers of leadership.

It is not easy to understand why the Justice Department has perceived us so differently than we perceive ourselves.

Our reaction to this development can divide us, or it can bring us closer. Whatever the city's response, let it be one that all citizens, black and white, reach together.

by CNB