THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 10, 1994 TAG: 9407080276
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 143 lines
The following is the speech that Mayor William E. Ward gave at Tuesday's Oath of Office Ceremony, in which new City Council members were sworn in.
I welcome Mr. (John M.) de Triquet and Mr. (W. Joe) Newman to Council and extend my congratulations to Mr. (Arthur L.) Dwyer on being elected vice mayor. I look forward to serving with each of you during the next two years.
Tonight, we begin a new era - one in which for the first time since 1970, there is only one African-American and no females on council. This is not the first time, however, when the majority members of council were of the Republican Party. From 1970 to 1972, the Republican Party was in control and the mayor was Mr. Bill Overton. History does not necessarily repeat itself; it is cyclical.
As we move from this night, it is imperative that we put political, sectional, racial and personal differences aside and commit ourselves - individually and collectively - to work in unity to make Chesapeake a place all of our citizens will be glad to call home.
I personally extend my hand of friendship to each of you and pledge my willingness to work cooperatively for the betterment of Chesapeake. The axis upon which we can best govern must be one of respect, collegiality, openness and honesty for and with each other.
Furthermore, the powers, duties and authority of the mayor, council and city manager are clearly defined in the city charter. When attempts are made by an individual or group of individuals to undermine the powers, duties or authority of either of the other offices, conflict and disharmony will surely evolve and in the end, the city charter, our municipal constitution, is at risk.
The city's future is bright. We can make it even brighter or dim its potential. The manner in which we conduct public policy will reflect on the city's image internally and externally. We will not always agree, but our disagreement should not end in malice toward one another.
The challenges facing us require the best in each of us - noble intentions, high moral standards, keen intellect and judicious decision.
Gentlemen, the election is over. The time has come to discuss substantive solutions to the real questions of public policy facing us - and the substance is more important than any label.
There is a strong conviction among us, as a peace-loving people, that differences in a democratic society are easily resolved if the various sides are willing to meet halfway. Again, I extend my hand of friendship to each of you and ask for your support. We can be as the fingers of my hand politically, but in matters of public issues that impact Chesapeake and its citizens, we must close ranks and unite as tightly as a clinched fist.
In the end, each of us will be judged by four questions: Did the man have integrity? Did the man have unselfishness? Did the man have courage? Did the man have consistency?
Yesterday, July Fourth, while speaking at Lindale Church of Christ, Dr. (Alan P.) Krasnoff read from 1 Kings: ``I am but a little child . . . give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: For who is able to judge this thy so great a people?''
The following is the speech that Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer gave at Tuesday's Oath of Office Ceremony.
Thank you and good evening. It is indeed an honor to be appointed as your vice mayor. I would like to thank my colleagues for giving me this honor. I welcome this assignment and will perform my duties to the best of my abilities.
As we walked the streets these past months, we heard a strong message being sent: the citizens want new leadership with fresh and innovative ideas. We will offer that creative new leadership and will strive to make Chesapeake what it is destined to be - the greatest city in Hampton Roads.
We are fortunate to have councilmen like Pete Duda (Peter P. Duda Jr.). Like Gov. (George F.) Allen, Mr. Duda is working hard to eliminate crime in our city. As the governor is working to end parole for criminals, Councilman Duda is working hard to prevent our teenagers from resorting to a life of crime.
He is doing this by offering alternatives to idle time. He was instrumental in making our first skateboard ramp a reality, and, I might add, at no cost to the taxpayer. Now he is taking on another project, Kids Cove, which will provide a safer play environment for younger children.
That is real leadership.
Another very important issue facing our city is our roads. They are becoming more congested as every day passes. We are fortunate to have the expertise Councilman John (E.) Allen brings to this council. He will spearhead this council's plans to relieve our overcrowded arteries. His extensive background in both engineering and management positions will be invaluable in tackling this issue.
Armed with new and innovative funding mechanisms provided by this year's General Assembly, coupled with the expert knowledge Councilman Allen possesses, Chesapeake will not become just another parking lot. I can think of no better task for Councilman Allen's can-do attitude.
As we all know, water, or lack of it, is a major problem for this city. Finding new sources requires innovative solutions and a will to see them through. Councilman Robert Nance has just recently brought his solution to this council floor. It has the potential to eliminate the current problems we now face with salt in the water.
Although much has been done over the last eight years to research new water sources, none are on-line. Councilman Nance's solution to use our natural resources and dig man-made lakes will not only provide additional water but will do so at no cost to the taxpayers. Additionally, it has the potential to provide a source of revenue for years to come. I know Councilman Nance's tenacity towards solving a problem will yield us great rewards in the future. He not only has a vision but he also has a plan to accomplish this innovative idea. That is the kind of leadership needed to ensure our water independence in the future.
There are many more problems that this council must address. Our highest priority is our school system. The knowledge and foresight that Councilman Dr. John de Triquet brings to this body will be instrumental in moving our schools forward into the next century.
Also, armed with new funding mechanisms from the General Assembly, Councilman de Triquet will lead the charge to eliminate the hundreds of portable classrooms in our city. His expertise in educational issues and his extensive involvement in our schools over the years will provide us with the expertise needed to face the challenges ahead.
Just within the past few weeks, and for the first time in the history of Chesapeake, we had the pleasure of hosting the Virginia Secretary of Education, Ms. Beverly Sgro. Our governor is committed to finding new ways to solve our educational problems. And who better to represent us than Dr. de Triquet. We are very fortunate to have his professionalism on this council, and I welcome you, John.
And finally, we have the financial planner who will help ensure we can accomplish our goals without increasing our tax rate. Councilman (W.) Joe Newman brings a much needed asset to this body. His leadership in financial matters will ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely and for the proper purpose. Gone are the days of unquestioned spending practices and unprioritized capital improvements.
I am confident that Councilman Newman will not rest until every tax dollar is accounted for. He represents the new leadership that will be at the helm of our city. I cannot think of a more important task than to be the watchdog over increased taxes. I welcome you, Joe.
The tasks facing us are complicated and challenging. They require people who will roll up their sleeves and work hard to achieve our goals. We offer a new generation of leadership to this city - leadership that will hold down taxes and require increased efficiency of our government.
It has been said that Virginia is open for business. This council is now proclaiming that Chesapeake is open for new ideas with new leadership. Gone are the days that ``business as usual'' is the rule!
I welcome everyone to join us in making Chesapeake the window to the hopes and dreams for our youth and an example of the very best of what our great state of Virginia has to offer. by CNB