THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510270178
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 303 lines
Stance on crime
Democrats running for the General Assembly this year have a problem. Candidates like William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr., Johnny Joannou and Kenneth Melvin have been trying to appear tough on crime. They tout ways they have supported tougher sentencing for violent criminals. The longer sentences, we suppose, will protect citizens from the criminals by keeping criminals in a place where their opportunities to victimize honest citizens are limited.
We wonder how much good longer sentences will do if the criminals who receive them are released earlier and earlier because of prison overcrowding. This overcrowding is an inevitable result of the Democrats' rejection of Gov. George Allen's proposal to build the necessary prison space.
Other Democrats will portray being tough on criminals as racist since many of the convicted felons are black. They conveniently ignore the fact that the victims of most of their crimes are honest black citizens.
In short, the Democrats propose the same old thing - allowing tougher sentences but preventing them from being executed by restraining prison space. The revolving door just spins faster leaving honest citizens, black and white, even more vulnerable to the thugs.
In this respect, electing the Republican candidates for these offices, like Dan Evans, Fred Quayle and Dutch Andrews represent real change rather than empty Democratic rhetoric. By supporting the governor's initiative they will reduce the speed of the revolving door, improving protection for all honest citizens, black and white. Democratic and Republican candidates may sound the same, but there is a real difference. Let them know you recognize that on Nov. 7.
James G. Thomson
Lake Shore Drive
Chesapeake
Oct. 20, 1995
Time for Andrews
I think this upcoming election is extremely clear for the voters of the 80th District. Here are just two issues affecting our community.
Dutch Andrews wants to increase funding for our schools by bringing lottery money back to Portsmouth. Kenneth Melvin voted against it. Dutch Andrews wants to lock up repeat rapists and murderers. . . . I can't believe someone would also vote to bring riverboat gambling to Portsmouth. . .
I am very surprised that people of the 80th District have supported someone who is so out of touch with our city. It is time for real change; it is time for Dutch Andrews to represent the 80th House of Delegates District.
Cindy Jarman
High Street
Sept. 28, 1995
`Our' senator a joke
When Sen. Fred Quayle pledged to be ``nobody's senator but ours,'' it's a joke because ``our'' senator proceeded to set the wheels in motion to destroy the Portsmouth Republican City Committee, who had worked so hard to get him elected.
Many Portsmouth Republicans think he is a turncoat senator rather than ``our'' senator.
This is one of the reasons I and many Portsmouth Republicans are supporting Johnny Joannou.
Billie W. Holzsweig
Greenfield Drive North
Oct. 19, 1995
Thanks for helping 4-H
I would like to personally thank Del. William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr. of the 79th District for co-sponsoring the amendment to the budget to restore financial funds to the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station which directly affects our local 4-H programs.
As an adult volunteer, and a lead
er of the Western Branch Horse and Pony 4-H Club, I know firsthand how important these programs are to the children of our community. Our 4-H programs teach children ``hands on'' about nutrition, marine science, anatomy and veterinary care with emphasis on horses and overall environmental education, just to name a few.
Del. Moore has given us a helping hand by protecting and preserving our educational programs for our children, especially for our underprivileged kids who otherwise might not receive the opportunities the 4-H programs offer. With the continuance of state funding, we are able to give our children the opportunity to open their minds to new ideas, learn leadership qualities, and develop their self-esteem, making them better citizens and bringing us a better community, today and tomorrow.
Katrina Clinton
Bamboo Road
Oct. 16, 1995 Inefficiency absent
During the race for the position of Clerk of Court of the city of Portsmouth, I notice that there has been a complete absence of any accusations of inefficiency in Walter M. Edmonds' conduct of his office. In this campaign no single word has accused Mr. Edmonds of any incompetency for he strove to improve the clerk's office, by making it more efficient and accessible to the public.
He has a wonderfully trained staff to assist him in working with the public, and that business is performed in a courteous and courtly manner. I encourage the voters of this city to return Mr. Edmonds to office. It would be a travesty if he were not.
Charles E. McKay
Winchester Drive
Oct. 23, 1995
'Sewer-styled' politics
The more I think about it; the more upset I become. I'm a ``vote-for-the-man'' voter. I read with some interest the Republican chairwoman's statement. Excuse me! I should have said I read with amusement her comments regarding a status quo position and a need for a ``change of wind'' in the forthcoming elections in this city. Where was Caroline Barnes and all that verbiage when the revamping of the Electoral Board took place, after her party prevailed in the statewide election for governor?
I wonder if she is aware that some of her Republican candidates, who are seeking office in the Nov. 7 general election, have sunk themselves up to their knees in ``sewer-styled'' politics. These are shameful tactics for a potential candidate to use, but I assume that ``cheap shots'' and ``off-color'' innuendos are in vogue, particularly if you are behind. One should make sure one's own skirts are clean before this type of politicking begins.
Clarence C. Jackson
Sequoia Road
Oct. 24, 1995
Moore on target
Even a quick review of the election coverage in the newspaper shows that the most important issue with which voters are concerned is education. Only one candidate in the 79th District has joined former Republican Governors Mills Godwin and Linwood Holton in rejecting Gov. Allen's efforts to finance a largely political tax cut (which would have resulted in a $33 per family tax savings) by making deeper cuts in the budgets of the commonwealth's colleges and universities. Del. William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr. is that candidate.
Quality public education is always cited by business leaders as a magnet for attracting both industry and business to any state. Del. Moore's support for permanent funding for drop-out prevention, homework assistance and other programs to keep children in schools is vitally necessary. Del. Moore's support for the quality school's initiative will help put a computer in every Virginia classroom by the year 2000. Del. Moore supports a significantly increased investment in vocational and technical training efforts as well.
In order for children to learn, they must feel safe. Del. Moore has been instrumental in legislation establishing gun-free and drug-free zones at our schools.
Del. Moore has been endorsed by the Portsmouth Education Association and the Virginia Education Association.
Not only is Del. Moore professionally interested in education, but he is also personally interested. Del. Moore's wife, Sharon, teaches in our public school system. Both of his sons attend our public schools.
Now, more than ever, we need Del. Billy Moore in the House of Delegates.
Joel P. Crowe
Middle Street Mall
Oct. 25, 1995
Keep the Democrats
Virginia stands at a historical crossroads on Nov. 7. The commonwealth's voters will determine which political party will control the General Assembly and much of Virginia's future. If one listens to the sophisticated and expensive paid media campaign of the Republican Party, one could be left with the impression the General Assembly's century of Democratic control has been fraught with free spending, high taxing, wild-eyed liberal social engineering and bloated bureaucracy.
Anyone alive and breathing in Virginia for more than a day understands that this is at best pure campaign hyperbole, at worst a gross distortion of the facts.
In an article published Oct. 3, the Wall Street Journal quoted the director of the nonpartisan Center for the Study of States saying, ``The fact is, Virginia is an extremely low tax state with a top-notch legislature and a history of competent governors.'' His statistics show that Virginians spend $9.95 out of every $100 of personal income in state and local taxes. Only four states impose lighter burdens.
As one who has often doubted the direction of the national Democratic Party, I feel it is ludicrous to accuse Virginia Democrats of partaking in a tax-and-spend tradition. Virginia Democrats have given the commonwealth over a century of pay-as-you-go fiscal responsibility and prudent public investment in education, transportation and public safety. As Virginia moves toward the challenges of the 21st century, we need more than ever the stable businesslike leadership of statespersons with a proven track record. We definitely do not need a radical right wing agenda bent on sacrificing higher education and police protection on the altar of the Virginia Republican Party's leaders' national political ambitions.
I encourage any Portsmouth voters concerned for their children's future to cast their ballots Nov. 7 for the proven leadership of William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr. or Kenneth Melvin for House of Delegates and Johnny S. Joannou or L. Louise Lucas for state senators.
Robert C. Barclay IV
North Point Drive
Oct. 25, 1995
Reward Moore with vote
Voters are bombarded with promises and inducements for support during political campaigns. These promises are often forgotten by the winner after the election.
Delegate William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr. remembers his commitments to the people of the 79th District which he serves. For years he has kept his promises and protected the interests of his constituents without regard for their political affiliation.
I had the opportunity to observe Billy Moore and work with him as he fought to protect our area from further expansion of Craney Island. Without his careful attention on this issue, we would be facing decline in our environment, property values and quality of life.
Billy's bipartisan approach to problem solving and attention to constituent needs set him apart as a true public servant.
I urge the voters of the 79th District to look beyond party labels and support Billy Moore in this election as he has ably supported us.
Peter Eustis
Rivershore Road
Oct. 24, 1995
Keeping campuses safe
I want to thank Del. William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr. for his strong support of law enforcement in higher education and particularly to let him know how deeply appreciative I am of his efforts to make our college campuses safe and secure.
Since 1990 I have been active in the Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators by holding the positions of legislative chairman, vice president, first vice president and president. VACLEA is a statewide association comprised of the chiefs of police and directors of public safety for college and university police and security departments throughout Virginia.
Although I am not writing this letter in my capacity as a member or former officer of VACLEA, I would like to say that, on many occasions, I had the opportunity to work firsthand on legislative matters with Del. Moore. I found him to be deeply committed to the well being of those pursuing higher education in our commonwealth and he always showed a concern for legislation that was important to the safety and security of our colleges and universities. It pleased me that we had a legislator who was willing to support and get legislation passed which would assist in fulfilling the mission of keeping our college campuses safe.
I hope that the constituents of the 79th District are as thankful to have a legislator with Del. Moore's commitment to law enforcement in the public and private sectors of our colleges and universities as I am.
Gerald J. Bright
Sycamore Road
Oct. 24, 1995
A friend of education
Virginia has a long and proud tradition for maintaining excellent institutions of higher education. Having graduated from Old Dominion University, William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr. knows the value of this system first hand, and he has fought to preserve and protect it for the generations that follow.
Billy understands that money spent on our colleges is an investment in our future, not just for the students who attend them but also as an attraction for businesses to locate here bringing jobs, resources and opportunities.
As a member of the General Assembly from the 79th House District, Billy Moore has worked to ensure that our colleges continue to receive the funding necessary to maintain their high standards. He recognizes the sincere efforts of college officials to restructure so they can deliver excellent service more efficiently. But most importantly, as a product of this system, Billy sees the need to offer educational opportunities to our young adults to encourage them to stay here in Virginia and prepare for their roles as the leaders of tomorrow.
My service on the board of a state-supported college has afforded me the opportunity to personally work with Del. Moore to advance the goals of education. His personal attention and interest in our work have been greatly appreciated.
Vote for higher education; vote for Billy Moore.
Frankie W. Farmer
Virginia Beach
Oct. 23, 1995
Record speaks for Moore
Much has been said about our public schools in the current political races.
I suggest that voters pay attention to the record, not the rhetoric, of candidates.
For the record:
William S. ``Billy'' Moore Jr. has consistently worked to have lottery proceeds returned to localities to be used for education. This proposal finally won favor with other legislators and was included in last year's Omnibus Education Act.
Billy Moore succeeded in having our schools designated ``gun free zones'' to increase safety.
Billy Moore worked to help restore the funds for education that had been cut from last year's proposed budget.
Billy Moore has the strongest possible investment in our public schools - his children attend them!
In short, Billy Moore has been a friend to public education and we need all the friends we can get. Let's keep Billy in the House of Delegates - it's important to our future!
Dorothy W. Dray
Warwick Street
Oct. 22, 1995
Kids vote for carousel
I have read in the paper for the last few months about the carousel vs. the lighthouse prism for the Children's Museum. As a mother of two children, I think the carousel is the way to go with the Children's Museum. I spend a lot of time at the museum with my kids and they would love the carousel. I, for one, enjoy carousels even though I am not a child anymore.
I am under the impression that the prism is an antique. If you have kids, you know that antiques and breakable things do not do well with kids. Nine times out of ten, the antique gets broken and cannot be replaced. Let us remember that the name of the museum is the Children's Museum, so put in things and activities that appeal to children.
Maybe City Council needs to spend a few days with children of all ages to see what they like to do with their time. I know the younger kids would rather spend time on a carousel than looking at some light. So approve the carousel, City Council.
Connie Voodre
Crocker Ave.
Oct. 21, 1995 by CNB