THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, May 26, 1996                  TAG: 9605240198
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 07   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   51 lines

WEBB: IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE

In my State of the City message in March, I said that one of the most powerful words in the English language is ``new,'' and I talked about the many new names and initiatives at work in Portsmouth.

Specifically, I mentioned new people like City Manger Ron Massie and City Attorney Tim Oksman, new programs like Vision 2005 and Neighborhood Enforcement and Action Teams (NEAT) and new beginnings for established names like the Children's Museum of Virginia and I.C. Norcom High School.

Little did I dream at the time that ``new'' directions in 1996 would include a new mayor! It is quite interesting to note that, as so often happens in a city steeped in history, new is often tied to the past. A good example is the convenience berthing of five destroyers and three frigates at our Naval Shipyard facility that traces its roots to 1767, only 15 years after Colonel Crawford founded the town of Portsmouth.

And so ``new'' mayor is not really new at all, but an old colleague whom the voters have chosen to lead our city for the next four years. Someone has said that the most distinguishing characteristic of democracy is the orderly transfer of power after an election. The characteristic was evident nine years ago, when I succeeded Jim Holley as mayor, and it is evident again as he takes the reins of our community on July 1.

I know that it is a cliche to say that it has been an honor and privilege to serve the community, but I must say that after 16 years of public service, that is exactly how I feel. Public office to me has always been a sacred trust, a feeling that I did not invent but in fact share with such Virginians as Thomas Jefferson, who did not want his elected offices on his gravestone because he felt they were positions given to him by the public and not something he had earned.

So now, as I retire from public office, there are many, many people I need to thank: City Council members who appointed me to the School Board those many years ago, voters who elected me to the council and to the mayor's chair, and public servants who have given their best for our community. Most of all, I thank the citizens who care deeply about their community and have let that be known in may ways - by serving on boards and commissions, various task forces, participating in civic leagues and even appearing before City Council. These citizens are our best critics and serve as a constant reminder that it is the council who serves the public, not the other way around.

I will continue to be a cheerleader for Portsmouth and promote her future growth and development. I call on all of the diverse citizens of Portsmouth to do the same and to give their support to the elected and appointed leaders so that together we can build a future that this historic seaport city deserves.

Gloria O. Webb

Mayor

May 22, 1996 by CNB