THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603230138
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 120 lines
``Some easy remedies'' by Carolyn Crawford (Letter, March 7, responding to my letter and Ann Turner's) missed the point. While cute, it failed to give credit for taking time to write and address a problem.
Secondly, the fact that Falcon has a monopoly in the wire cable service and that the Falcon franchise and its control are in the hands of the city must have eluded Ms. Crawford. True, there is a non-wireless company, but we're discussing a ``cable'' company. With the other option for service, local information is not available, and the selection is limited.
I would hope that Ms. Crawford saw the March 7 article in The Virginian-Pilot, ``Suffolk panel takes tough stance with Falcon Cable.'' After reading it, I feel vindicated. It is apparent that the City Council concurs that enough is enough.
Let me try once more to state my frustration with Falcon, and with the City Council, prior to its action of March 8.
First and foremost, it seemed as if Falcon, operating as a monopoly, is not called to task for customer dissatisfaction, poor service, poor quality and high price. It is incumbent on us as citizens and consumers not to give in, to voice our concerns and problems. If we continue to give in, accept mediocrity or less, without taking a stand, then we deserve what we get. If the members of the City Council fail to act on our behalf, we have the right and obligation to make them aware of our dissatisfaction and not give in.
If Ms. Crawford chooses to do nothing, that is her decision. Simply running away from or ignoring a problem does not make it go away. While I may have a choice to change companies, does that mean that the problem does not exist?
Since Ms. Crawford's letter, we have been mailed an announcement that our rates weren't high enough. Could this be retribution for the citizens of Suffolk and yes, maybe even the City Council sticking up for its rights? Nah, a monopoly would never do something like that. Just coincidence.
Does this mean that, if they continue to lose customers, they will have to increase the remaining customers' rates to compensate for a diminishing customer base? Nah, a monopoly wouldn't do something like that.
John Pruitt's March 21 column, ``A Falcon increase? It's gotta be a joke!'' is no joke. Let's light up the hot line (934-3413) and, using his phrase, ``No, we won't pay a penny more for the same unpredictable service,'' let them know this is not right.
We got a similar letter from Falcon last Feb. 22, 1995, raising our rates. They can raise our rate each quarter according to FCC rules. Complain now or, instead of getting a letter of rate increases every year, we may get one quarterly.
Our fight is not with the hardworking men and women of Falcon. If they are not given adequate tools to do the job, not staffed sufficiently to respond in timely manner, not working with the current technology, it is not their fault. Our complaint is with Falcon Corporate.
Rather than follow Ms. Crawford's suggestions, I think I'll follow the words of Winston Churchill as I continue to voice my concerns as well as track the settlement of the Falcon dilemma: ``Never give in! Never, never, never, never, never, never. In nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.''
Terry Mottley
Dumville Avenue
Suffolk If council members want this trip, let them pay
Do we have such a surplus of funds in the city's coffers as to take up the practice of our federal government of sending our elective representatives on tax-paid junkets?
What value is there to the taxpayer to send all our councilmen and councilperson who accept the invitation of our sister city in Oderzo, Italy, ``to formalize our sister cities relationship?'' How many homeowners' real estate taxes in the low- and middle-income bracket will it take to pay the thousands of dollars to finance this junket? Surely we could spend these funds somewhere in our city that would help our citizens.
As hard a pill as it is to swallow, I can see funding the expenses of our mayor and his wife to Oderzo, Italy, as our official representatives. If the other councilmen and councilperson wish to go, then ask them to pay their own way, and we will find out the importance of this ``official visit.''
Estelle Stephenson
Bennetts Pasture Road
Suffolk Two bundles of thanks
My husband and I are now indebted to a fine hospital in Suffolk, Obici.
In December 1994, we endured the hurt and loss of a miscarriage, but Obici Hospital's Women's Center was there to help us through the pain with caring and compassionate nurses and doctors.
Through that experience, we met Dr. Beth Levin of Lakeview Medical Center. She helped us with our infertility problems, and last August we found out we were expecting twins! My husband, Harry, and I would like to thank the staff of the Women's Center for helping give us the most joyous experience of our lives - the birth of our twins on Feb. 21, 1996.
Obici is an example of what a caring profession medicine can be. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.
Gentry and Harry Kidd
Shiloh Drive
Windsor A partial refund
I would like to update interested Suffolk citizens concerning refunds on ``unused portions of use'' of city decals.
I did receive a return call from City Treasurer Ronald H. Williams on March 11. He was very polite, apologizing for not getting back with me sooner because of illness.
He explained there was no refund policy within the city manuals, but he and I agreed there might be a need for one. (Are there any City Council members reading this?) He said he was going to call other city localities to find out if they had any such policies and, if so, how they were interpreted.
I explained my reasons to Mr. Williams as to why I sold the vehicle. He agreed that my reasons were valid enough to warrant a refund. He and I agreed on a suitable amount, and I did receive a partial refund for the unused portion of the decal.
After talking with Mr. Williams for several minutes, I would like to say that he is very professional in doing his job to the best interest of the city. I think Suffolk is lucky to have personnel such as Mr. Williams.
Randall G. Estes
Colonial Drive
Suffolk by CNB