THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 1996 TAG: 9605210129
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 72 lines
Is everyone equal?
Former Director of Development Robert B. Smithwick was reassigned recently to the city manager's office. At the time he was reassigned, Mr. Smithwick stated that he wanted the job change to scale down his duties in anticipation of retirement (no date mentioned).
Subsequently, according to an article in The Virginian-Pilot on May 4, confidential correspondence from the manager to council members revealed that several female employees of the Department of Development had been subjected to ongoing sexual harassment by their former department head. The manager advised the mayor of the reason for transfer, but other council members were not informed at the time of transfer.
Rather than investigate this matter himself, the manager asked the city attorney to investigate the accusations independent of the manager's office. The city attorney obtained written affidavits from the complainants.
Several years ago, the city manager terminated the employment of the fire chief because he made improper remarks to a female employee in the City Hall. Was this matter referred to the city attorney? Are all sexual harassment incidents treated equally by the manager or are some deemed less offensive than others - depending on the individual making the remark(s)?
Mr. Smithwick, like the city manager, council members and any city employee, can be readily replaced. Should our taxpayers continue to pay Mr. Smithwick $85,000 yearly if the complaints against him are valid? It evidently depends on the city manager.
Myron O. Wilcox
Lucian Court Vo Tech teacher praised
In the six years that we have lived in Norfolk, we have never come across a teacher of the caliber of Scott Slocum. He teaches air conditioning and refrigeration at Norfolk Vocational Technical School.
This city is privileged to have this superb teacher. He not only makes sure that the students learn and do their work while they are in his class, if he has a problem with a student, he calls home to discuss it with the parent. He does not condemn the child or the parent, but he establishes clear lines of communication between himself, the parent and the child.
He also takes the time to call the students' homes if they are absent. And I just don't mean once in awhile. When he calls he always asks if there is any way he can help. It's refreshing to see a teacher go the extra mile and communicate so fluidly and be so resourceful to keep students in school when some are too quick to drop our youth out the door for non-violent infractions.
Mr. Slocum goes far beyond what the average teacher is required to do because he is committed and dedicated to helping kids finish school.
There are few teachers in Hampton Roads who care as much about their students as Mr. Slocum. My family and I would like to recommend him as teacher of the year.
The Walshes
East Randall Avenue Thanks to John Horton
With the rush to get this report and that report finished (or even started), we often forget to take the time to thank people who help us, or more importantly, help our children.
After reading the Jon Glass article on John Horton and the Truancy Action Program, I realized that a public thank you from our school and school community was long overdue. Although I certainly can't match the eloquence of Mr. Glass, I do believe I can mirror the sincerity of his words when I say that Mr. Horton's dedication, hard work, warmth and caring have added much to the lives of our children, parents and entire school community. Simply put, he is a sampling of the very best the human race has to offer. Thank you, Mr. Horton. Sir, you will be greatly missed.
Stephen G. Peters
Principal
Lafayette-Winona Middle School by CNB