THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 7, 1994 TAG: 9408050315
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Joseph Banks
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
City Council last week sponsored a Community Goals Workshop, which according to a letter by Mayor Gloria Webb, had ``one central goal: to make Portsmouth the best that it can be.''
In her letter, Webb asked the invitees to think about two things: ``First, try to envision where you would like to see Portsmouth in five years - 1999. Secondly: what issues would you like to see City Council focus on during the upcoming year 1994-95.''
About 80 residents and a consultant met Wednesday to discuss the city's successes of the past year and comment on hopes and expectations of the city in the future.
On Thursday, the consultant, Lyle Sumek, and members of the City Council will retreat to Smithfield Station to discuss, in part, the observations and suggestions of the workshop.
Each Sunday, on the adjacent page, The Currents profiles a Portsmouth resident and/or businessperson. The Close-Up usually includes the question: If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
From their answers come themes.
Schools. ``The best possible integrated, quality school system,'' wishes Ted Leland, former commander of Fifth Coast Guard District. ``Improve the schools' art programs and quality of education,'' said Therese Gibson, racing apparel store owner. ``City unity on the tumultuous school controversy,'' said Staff Sgt. Ronald Cross, Army recruiter.
Crime. ``To have the lowest crime rate in Virginia,'' wishes Danny King, top Atlantic Fleet sailor. ``Low crime and a safer city,'' said Lloyd Beazley, 19-year veteran firefighter. ``Less crime and a drug-free city,'' said Cheryl Tonkin-Phelps, Pinehurst illumination chairwoman.
Taxes/revenue. ``To quit using prime land for state and city government building when the tax dollar is badly needed,'' wishes Gene Robertson, Wal-Mart greeter. ``More businesses to move here so we can increase our tax base,'' said Bill Watson, auxiliary deputy sheriff. ``Economic stability through business retention and new business development,'' said Gwendolyn Davis, legislative liason.
Downtown. ``See downtown flourish again,'' wishes Cheryl Creager, director of TCC-Norfolk. ``A downtown shopping area,'' said Ted Leland. ``Revival of the downtown business community,'' Cross said.
Race relations. ``End the racial conflict,'' wishes Thomasina Wright, lobbyist for Tenneco. ``Racial harmony,'' said Brian Steelman, generator technician, actor. ``That City Council would quit dividing themselves along racial lines and work to better the city as a whole; we all have to live together,'' said Bill Watson, auxiliary deputy sheriff.
From a diversity of people, a uniformity in the wishes.
From a random sample, a consistency in the answers.
Finding something to criticize about Portsmouth is not rocket science. It's easier to curse the darkness than to light one candle.
Offering suggestions and solutions to make this town takes a bit more thought.
Logistically, Mayor Webb couldn't invite all of us. She couldn't solicit the views of everyone.
I can.
Take a moment to consider ``where you would like to see Portsmouth in five years - 1999.'' Take a moment to consider what issues you would like to see council devote its attention to in the next 12 months.
Had you been invited to the Community Goals Workshop, what would you have suggested?
Call us, mail us, fax us with your suggestions.
In the words of the mayor, ``Please step up to the plate and assist us in continuing to forge out a bright future for Portsmouth.''
Batter up!
On one condition: You have to answer the next question, taken from the Close-Up format: Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth?
We'll publish your comments next Sunday. MEMO: TELL US YOUR GOALS
Had you been invited to the Community Goals Workshop, what would you
have suggested?
To comment:
Call INFOLINE on a Touch Tone phone at 640-5555, Ext. 4332 (IDEA). We
will publish comments from those who leave their name, address and phone
number. Comments that cannot be confirmed with the caller because of
incorrect phone numbers will not be published.
Write us at 307 County St., Portsmouth, Va. 23704
Fax us at 446-2607
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH by CNB