DATE: Sunday, May 18, 1997                  TAG: 9705170011

SECTION: COMMENTARY              PAGE: J4   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letters 

                                            LENGTH:  108 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT<

VIRGINIA BEACH

The facts about sand for Sandbridge

For too long ``sand for Sandbridge'' has been used by various special-interest groups to intimidate Virginia Beach elected officials during annual budget decisions. Frequently, the case against Sandbridge has been filled with half truths and, regrettably, untruths. The facts are:

Sandbridge is a ``donor community.'' Each year the citizens of Sandbridge provide almost $2 million more to the city's general revenues than they cost in city services.

Citizens of Sandbridge voted unanimously three years ago to establish a special tax district that would be exclusively used for the renourishment of the 5.1 miles of beach - including the one mile owned by the city. Approximately $80 million will be raised over the next 50 years - equal to an $8 million re-nourishment project every five years. This tax, which is added to the normal real estate tax, will be doubled this year.

The city has agreed to participate in only the first beach renourishment program (providing $3.5 million with the remaining funds coming from the commonwealth and the special tax district). All others will be financed on a scheduled basis by the Sandbridge special tax district. Like the residents on the North End and the proprietors on the resort strip, the residents of Sandbridge are painfully aware of the dangers of living on the ocean. We have all agreed to embrace sand projects for the long-term survival of our respective beaches. However, unlike the others, Sandbridge residents have agreed to pay their way with only Sandbridge-generated funds.

These are facts. Sandbridge is a ``cash cow'' that has always given more than it has received in city funds. The contribution of less than $4 million in city dollars for a one-time emergency replenishment that will be recouped in just over two years is a sound monetary decision. It will ensure the viability and growth of a unique part of Virginia Beach that has in the past generated millions of dollars for the city. If given sand, it will provide millions more in the future. Let's not be penny-wise and pound-foolish.

Fred W. Greene

President

Sandbridge Beach Civic League

Virginia Beach, May 5, 1997

TELEVISION

Ellen and Walt on ABC and CBS

In ``When `Ellen' comes out, watch CBS instead,'' Majorie H. Powers of Hampton was upset about ABC letting Ellen DeGeneres come out as a lesbian on television.

I am a hard-working, honest, law- abiding citizen. I have two good jobs, a very nice home, I pay my taxes and my bills, live a clean, healthy life and am a Christian - and so is my boyfriend.

I guess Mrs. Powers and other people like her missed or have forgotten the Scriptures that say ``Love thy neighbor'' and ``God is not partial.''

Only a few weeks ago ``Dr. Quinn,'' one of Mrs. Powers' favored shows on CBS, ran an episode that was about Walt Whitman, a gay poet, and his lover. Some of the townspeople rebuked them, but ``Dr. Mike,'' played by Jane Seymour, took them in and gave Mr. Whitman the medical attention he required.

I would like to applaud Miss DeGeneres and both ABC and CBS and The Virginian-Pilot and all other broadcast media for any and all support and recognition.

Craig Mashburn

Virginia Beach, May 3, 1997

MILITARY

Navy punished honorable defender

I doubt anyone is surprised or shocked that Navy lawyer James Walsh (news, May 6) was punished by the powers that be. With the justice, or should I say injustice, in this country, it's par for the course to get rid of anyone who really tries to do right and see that justice prevails.

The black mark is on the Navy, not James Walsh. James Walsh should hold his head high. The Navy should have given him a medal of professional honor!

Judith C. Brunk

Jamesville, May 6, 1997

REGIONALISM

Tell politicians to drop ``Hampton Roads'' shuffle

A symposium on tourism was recently held in Norfolk. Travel experts advised the region to ``work together'' if it expects to keep growing.

The Virginia Waterfront Arts Festival is a dazzling example of what can be done when the region works together.

Meanwhile, a local group is attempting to raise $10 million to promote ``Hampton Roads.''

But if the ``Hampton Roads'' name is worth promoting, why don't our cities use it to promote tourism?

Let me tell you why: No one knows where or what a ``Hampton Roads'' is.

It's time to wake up to the ``Hampton Roads'' shuffle. It allows each politician to give lip service to regionalism while pursuing his or her city's agenda.

It is time to ask our elected officials to quit playing games with regionalism. Your job, your children's future jobs and the economic health of this region are the stakes.

J. Daniel Ballard

Norfolk, May 7, 1997

VOLUNTEERISM

High taxes cause loss of free time

Attention President Clinton! As director of my church's vacation Bible school for the past few years, I know a little about getting people to volunteer their time and talents. Many women in our congregation would love to help me but, alas, they must work to support their families. You see, Mr. President, payroll taxes, income taxes and consumption taxes consume nearly 40 percent of their husbands' salaries, so take-home pay does not stretch as much as it once did. Not many women, after working 40 hours a week and taking care of their families, have the time, energy or inclination to help others.

Meg Graham

Virginia Beach, May 5, 1997

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