THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 14, 1996 TAG: 9605140008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
``Cities are not easily made'' (letter, April 28) more clearly articulated the reasons for the problems this area has as it attempts to compete with ``cities'' like Charlotte, Jacksonville and Nashville, than anything else that I have heard or read.
When corporations look at this area as a possible site for new facilities, the many advantages that we have are all too often overshadowed by the difficulties and frustrations inherent in dealing with four or five local-government bodies whose parochial views contradict the facade of regional cooperation.
As Southside Hampton Roads taxpayers continue to bear the burden of five city governments (police forces, fire departments, public-works departments, school administrations, etc.), opportunities are lost for situations that would bring new jobs to the area, more visitors and vacationers, possible major-league sports franchises and other situations that would bring economic and cultural growth.
Instead, we have the opportunities to fund things like the creation of a new oxymoron, ``Downtown Virginia Beach.'' What is needed is for someone, or some group with the political courage, to step up and lead the way to the creation of a single Southside Hampton Roads city. The name shouldn't be a problem. Even people in North Dakota and Montana have heard of Norfolk; and it already has a downtown.
TERRY L. EIKENBERY
Virginia Beach, April 30, 1996 by CNB