THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 26, 1996 TAG: 9604240135
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
With City Council elections only weeks away, the citizens of Chesapeake have some tough decisions to make. The constant bickering among some council members in recent years has been widely publicized, and has often overshadowed the more important city business. The May election will determine if voters have had enough of the over-inflated egos of some of our elected officials, and whether they will opt for change by supporting new candidates with fresh ideas who may be more compatible with their colleagues on the council.
In reviewing the past performances of the three incumbents seeking re-election, several concerns immediately come to mind.
Beginning with Mayor William E. Ward, one incident that was especially troubling was the position he took three years ago during the hearings for the former commissioners of the Chesapeake Re-Development and Housing Authority. Because of the pressure from Arthur L. Dwyer and the other Republicans on Council, Ward made a concerted effort to distance himself from the very men who had supported him throughout his entire political career. Men with whom he socialized, and even traveled with on Authority business. Then, when the commissioners' fate was to be decided by the council, Ward prefaced his vote with this argument: ``I will go along with the majority.''
I will go along with the majority. How's that for leadership? Saying, effectively, right or wrong, I'll support the group making the most noise. To continue in the office of mayor, Ward has to do more than just show up for ribbon-cutting ceremonies. He has to be more accountable.
Vice Mayor Robert T. Nance Jr. could also use some lessons in ethics. In his bid for election to the Planning Commission years ago, Nance sought the support of Democrats William E. Ward and John W. Butt, giving them his word that he had no higher political goals than to serve on the Planning Commission. Later, when he decided to run for City Council, Nance pledged that he would only serve for one term. Nance was also one of the principles of the 1993 Housing Authority hearings. Along with his chum, Arthur Dwyer, Nance made vicious attacks against the former commissioners in print interviews and radio and television broadcasts. When it came time to decide the former commissioners' fate, Nance refused to excuse himself from the voting process. Asked if he could be impartial, he replied, under oath, ``Yea.'' His vote, of course, was pre-determined.
On the other hand, Dwight M. Parker's brief tenure on the council has been refreshing. Parker, an educator, appears wise enough not to be swayed by partisan politics, and he puts the business of the city ahead of his personal agenda. His presence on the council thus far has been to Chesapeake's credit, and he should easily win the bid for a full term.
In closing, the city of Chesapeake has benefited this election period due to the number of qualified new candidates running for City Council. What is important now is for its citizens to take just a few moments from their day to go out and vote.
Deborah Scott
Jackson Street Republican choices
On March 15, I passed the gavel to Larry Willis, our new chairman of the Chesapeake Republican City Committee. It was with great pride that as my final act I had the privilege to announce the Republican Party's endorsements for candidates in the upcoming mayoral, City Council and School Board elections.
For mayor, the Chesapeake Republican Party wholeheartedly endorses John Cosgrove. Mr. Cosgrove will bring fresh leadership to a city that has too long labored under the iron-fisted rein of our current 17-year incumbent mayor.
For the three open council seats, I take great pleasure in announcing our endorsement of Dalton Edge and William Pierce, former adversaries in the recent November election, but now partners who have joined hands to bring good government back to the city of Chesapeake. For the third seat, I take particular pleasure in announcing our endorsement of incumbent Vice Mayor Robert Nance, who, after having announced his intent to resign, graciously reconsidered in light of our plea to serve one more term in accordance with his prior vow of a two-term commitment.
Finally, for School Board, the Republican Party endorses Harry Murphy, Jim Thomson and Patti Willis. We screened an abundance of candidates who sought our party endorsement and found these three to not only be the most adamant advocates for conservative principled education, but also the most qualified, all holding post-graduate degrees in areas from administration to law.
I encourage the Republican voters of Chesapeake to come out to the polls on May 7 to support this fine slate of candidates. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Irene Hurst
Immediate Past Chair
Chesapeake Republican City Committee by CNB