DATE: Friday, April 25, 1997                TAG: 9704250010

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  113 lines

LETTERS TO EDITOR -- THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Stolle deserves credit

for parole legislation

In that I believe that Virginia works best when partisanship is cast aside, I feel compelled to respond to a recent story (local section, April 16) on Ken Stolle's role in the abolishment of parole and establishment of truth in sentencing legislation enacted in 1994. To imply as the story did that his involvement was not critical or central is simply untrue.

Ken was the individual who requested that I serve as one of four chief patrons or sponsors of the bill, along with him, Del. Randy Forbes and then-Sen. Virgil Goode. Ken's purpose in requesting a Democratic senator and House member to participate was to ensure that this was not a partisan political fight but rather one that had broad support from both sides of the aisle.

The idea for parole abolition legislation originated from a commission of which Ken was a member. His efforts on that commission are a matter of public record. It is true that Ken did not draft the legislation in its initial form. Neither did I, Senator Goode or Delegate Forbes. As is almost always the case, the drafts were done by staff attorneys.

Did Ken Stolle make meaningful contributions to the language and concepts contained in this legislation? Clearly, the answer is yes. Ken personally insisted on a number of items that he felt strongly about, including concepts that resulted from his prior experience as a police office.

In short, Ken is entitled to be proud of his involvement in this legislative enactment, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Virginia General Assembly.

Glenn R. Croshaw

Delegate

81st District

Virginia Beach, April 21, 1997

LEADERSHIP

Buckle up, Bill

It is comforting to know that President Clinton understands the power of the ``Bully Pulpit'' and takes aim at that which destroys the fabric of our society.

He wisely avoids such trivial and distracting issues as the government's role in the breakdown of the American family or the deleterious effects of government programs and tax policies on the growing gap between the under- and over-classes. No, this great leader draws a bead on the real villains - the tobacco plant and those choosing not to buckle up.

What a leader he is.

William R. Miller III

Virginia Beach, April 18, 1997

THERAPY

Massage yes, parlors no

In your April 9 article about the woman banned from conducting psychic readings in Norfolk, Norfolk City Attorney Philip Trapani explains that the city has a right to ban certain types of businesses, such as massage parlors.

Massage parlors, indeed - lumped together with ``adult-oriented businesses.''

For all the massage therapists in this area, I would like to clear up any misconception created by Mr. Trapani's statement. Massage therapists do not operate ``parlors.'' The local chapter of the American Massage Therapists Association has worked diligently not only to change the public's perception of massage, but to push for legislation requiring state certification of massage therapists.

Massage therapists are professionals, dedicated to providing quality, ethical therapeutic services to our clients.

Lezlie Lamb Ungaro

Virginia Beach, April 9, 1997

CINCO DE MAYO

Give us Mexican music

In support of Norma L. Reyes' April 12 letter: I agree with her comments. It is hard for me to understand why we, as Mexican Americans, have such a difficult time getting quality Mexican-American music.

I have lived most of my adult life in Texas. I have attended the various ethnic festivals, such as Oktoberfest, with German music, and the Buccaneer Parade, where bands play country-western, Tejano, Mexican music, etc.

Here, it seems to me, at an event like the Cinco de Mayo, there is no Mexican music at all. We as Americans need to recognize the different cultures that make up this great nation.

Promoters need to do a better job in trying to recognize the Cinco de Mayo for what it really is - a Mexican celebration.

Jose P. Arzola

President

Hampton Roads Mexican American Club

Portsmouth, April 17, 1997

BASEBALL

Memories of a pitcher

who never got a chance

That was really something, Tiger's Green Coat acquisition. And how about, 50 years ago, Jackie Robinson?

There is another person that I had the privilege of watching in the late 1920s or early 1930s. I was living on my grandfather's farm near a small village about 12 miles from Cooperstown, N.Y. One Sunday, several of us went to Doubleday Field in Cooperstown to watch the Negro Baseball League play a game.

What was truly amazing was the talent of one of the pitchers. He would wind up, start his pitch and stretch out his arm and body, seemingly all the way to home plate. When he finally let go of the ball, the ump usually called a strike.

This pitcher's name was Satchel Paige. He never got a chance to play in the Major Leagues, but he should have.

Oh, yes, your April 1 baseball section reminded me that I used to watch my Aunt Madge sew the cover on baseballs - the two-piece leather cover with the holes and the little dents by the holes to make the thread protrude as little as possible.

God bless Abner Doubleday.

Richard McFarran

Virginia Beach, April 16, 1997

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