THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604050140
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 141 lines
I was very happy to read the article on the editorial page of the Currents on Sunday, March 24. Until I read this article, I wondered if I was the only citizen in Portsmouth who felt our city government needed to have an ethics commission to ensure compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, as well as the Human Rights Act, and the Freedom of Information Act.
I was not too surprised that the topic was shot down at the City Council meeting and would have been greatly surprised if it had passed. You, our elected leaders for the city of Portsmouth, once again justified my belief in you that you do not have our, the citizens you represent, best interests at heart. I would like to know why you don't want an ethics commission - can you, honestly give us an answer?
Federal and state governments are forced to follow certain laws that guard against conflict of interest. Why not the city government? When the river boat gambling issue was being discussed, did the council think the citizens should know that certain officials were investing and would be getting rich from the money of the citizens of Portsmouth? No, I don't think so! Did anyone bother to explain to the citizens that Portsmouth would not benefit from all the money going to the river boat but would be making the owners and the investors rich? Just how much of that money would have benefited members of City Council and their supporters?
Maybe when people run for a political position, they have good intentions. And, why is it when they get into office they reaffirm the belief in the citizens' mind that politicians cannot be trusted. I can't help but wonder when someone objects to ethics in government that possibly it is an unethical person/persons. Does the shoe fit anyone on our City Council? You people seem to forget just whom you are representing!
I am sure that our City Council would never knowingly do anything unethical - like having secret council meetings, making decisions that helps them and not the city of Portsmouth, resent citizens for attending meetings to make their wishes known and many other thoughts that come to mind. And, I never will forget the statement from our elected mayor - that she did not feel the citizens should be involved and that it was wasted time for them to speak at City Council meetings. About the only thing I will agree with the mayor on is about people speaking at the council meetings. Yes, it is useless but for all the wrong reasons. You people have already made up your minds and the citizens sit there for ages to be able to speak and it is like talking to a door. Yes, I have attended your meetings and I have seen this happen.
As far as I am concerned, I am very glad that the honorable Cameron Pitts has raised the issue of our city having an ethics commission and I feel that the city of Portsmouth definitely needs one. I believe the citizens would have a lot more confidence in our City Council if we knew that all of the council, not just two or three members, believed in conducting business in an ethical manner.
Remember: ``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,'' and you can't go wrong!
Mary Parrish
Warren Drive
March 29, 1996 Keep Pitts on council
I am writing in support of Cameron C. Pitts for re-election to the Portsmouth City Council.
Mr. Pitts has stated that he is available 24 hours a day, while in sharp contrast another candidate for re-election has publicly stated that his family comes first, his business next, and council matters last.
Knowing Mr. Pitts as I do, I believe his stated 24 hours apply not only to council matters but to anyone in need.
Mr. Pitts favors an Ethics Commission. There are some members opposed to the same. Probably the same members that Mr. Pitts revealed had taken part in an unethical deal involving river boat gambling. Also, those members who prefer ``back room'' discussions on some subjects that are of concern to taxpayers.
I believe Mr. Pitts will continue to work for the benefit of all our citizens with open and publicly stated opinions.
I shall vote for citizens' candidate, Cameron C. Pitts.
Melvin D. Welton
Leckie Street
March 29, 1996 Encourage voting
Reference the upcoming Portsmouth mayor, City Council and School Board elections to be held May 7, 1996: The following is an open letter to my neighbors.
Dear Neighbor:
This letter probably does not apply to you and your family; however, I am sure it applies to someone you may know. Someone who:
Thinks their vote doesn't count.
Has forgotten the struggle for the right to vote.
Is apathetic or complacent.
Has accepted the status quo and has more interesting things to do than to get involved in the politics of who governs.
Fails to realize that the destiny of city/state/federal is determined by the ballot, not by talking and walking.
Ignores citizenship responsibility.
I sure hope if you happen to know someone in any of the categories stated above that you will tell them their vote is important and can result in:
Election of responsible and sensitive candidates to public office.
Improving our schools and school system.
Ensuring equity in the distribution of city/state assets.
Improving the quality of life.
An impact on our criminal justice system.
Placing us, a neighborhood, a community of voters, in a position not only to ask but strength to demand a fair share of the pie.
I am confident that if you will pass this information along to that ``someone you know,'' our voter participation will increase.
Further, those who are elected will be elected not solely because they received a majority of the votes cast, but because every eligible voter voted.
Carlton M. Carrington
Jamal Court
March 26, 1996 Ethics votes questioned
Why are four members of the Portsmouth City Council afraid of the formation of an ethics committee?
Councilman Cameron Pitts has failed on two occasions now to put in place a committee to report to the people on the actions taken by the City Council. The vote has been 4-3 against each time, with Mayor Webb voting ``nay'' on the measure in both instances.
Why is the council opposed to a review of their actions by their constituency? I have always been taught and told that when it comes to the police, only those people guilty of breaking the law have reason to be in fear. Is that the case with the council members who have voted against this measure?
We probably won't find out unless we are allowed a review group headed by the citizenry to look into the council's doings from time to time. If they have nothing to hide, then what's the harm in allowing this to go forward? To this citizen, a continued ``nay'' vote would indicate that maybe there is something worth looking into.
I would urge all the citizens of Portsmouth to contact the council and express their desire for just such a review board. If the Congress is in need of an ethics committee in each house, then I would say the time has come for our council to have one as well.
John R. ``Bob'' Locke
Ann Street
March 31, 1996 by CNB