DATE: Monday, October 6, 1997               TAG: 9710040001

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  109 lines

LETTERS TO EDITOR -- THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

CAMPAIGN '97

Don't tell Abe

The Sept. 28 letter from the ``eminent scholar of educational leadership and counseling'' concluded that ``James Gilmore will not be an education governor.'' The author based this conclusion on a one-time meeting with Jim Gilmore on public TV when Jim Gilmore failed to embrace his research indicating that students from poor families tend to fail academically.

I am glad nobody told Abe Lincoln this.

Jim Shaw

Norfolk, Sept. 29, 1997

OCEANA

Noisy jets will

discourage tourism

The Sept. 21 Pilot revealed an interesting twist about the potential relocation of F/A-18s to Virginia Beach. The article ``Base air: Woo the noise wary'' was next to the report ``Cities try new course, bank on golfing to bring cash.''

While the new golf courses may be outside the high-noise area, another issue emerges. Golf courses are a means of drawing middle- to higher-income tourists, who are expected to stay at and frequent Oceanfront attractions. I doubt our guests will enjoy the soothing serenade of fighter aircraft.

Those who argue that additional Navy jets are a ``slam dunk'' for economic gain overlook the setbacks that higher noise will bring to our lucrative tourist industry.

Charles R. Davis

Virginia Beach, Sept. 22, 1997

Navy's pleas ignored

for 40 years

I sat by a window listening to Ms. Bailey's explanation of algebraic equations during a summer-school session in preparation for college. Occasionally, an AD propeller plane or F-9 Cougar jet would roar down the runway, interrupting Ms. Bailey's lecture. It was the mid-1950s, the school was Oceana High in what was then Princess Anne County, and the base was the Oceana Naval Air Station.

At that time, the U.S. Navy had stated its plan to make Oceana a master jet base. The Navy requested that the county and developers leave them room and allow for a safety zone around the base.

When the plans were revealed to build Lynnhaven Mall, the Navy protested because the mall would be within the base flight pattern. These pleas were ignored.

As the county/city and developers continued to build schools, housing and high-rise motels along the beach, the Navy continued its plea for a safety zone. Again, its pleas were ignored.

I can't understand why the city is concerned over safety now - it has ignored the Navy's pleas for 40 years or more. The choice for Virginia Beach is unfortunate and simple: Close Oceana or continue to crowd the safety zone, knowing that one day, again, a plane will crash.

Charles R. Greene

Zuni, Sept. 23, 1997

Noise lasts only

a few seconds

Last June, I moved from Portsmouth to Virginia Beach. I had no idea I'd be living with noise from aircraft, but I love this city so much I see it as just a minor nuisance.

I've been reading about people's complaints with the noise from the planes and I wonder, why don't these people get a life? The noise only lasts for a few seconds as the aircraft fly by.

Sherry Snead

Virginia Beach, Sept. 21, 1997

ENTERTAINMENT

Tears, pure joy

at VSC's ``Strings''

In Mal Vincent's review of ``Appalachian Strings'' (Sept. 27), he paid proper due to the excellent performance and set but was obviously unhappy with the play itself. As a reviewer, he has a right to his opinions. However, in the middle of the review, Mr. Vincent digresses briefly to whine about the collective offering of Virginia Stage Company. A cheap shot. These generally vague opinions belong in a separate column with fuller explanation about what Mr. Vincent is unhappy about and how he thinks the theater could do better.

As for ``Appalachian Strings,'' Mr. Vincent asserts that it was both too literate and poetic and too folksy, that the message was bland. Yes, it was unsophisticated, even corny at times. Bland? Not at all. As one acquainted with mountain and folk music, I can tell you that the music was well-selected and well-performed. I encountered moments of tears and moments of lightheartedness, interspersed with pure joy at the singing of Molly Andrews.

Anna S. Henderson

Norfolk, Sept. 29, 1997

LIGHT RAIL

City doesn't need

``Toonerville trolley''

Needed or not, the taxpayers of Virginia Beach are going to get a light-rail system, decreed by TRT and The Virginian-Pilot, along with the pusillanimous acquiescence of the City Council. Best guesstimate of the cost, not to be trusted, is $376 million, while the actual cost will be in excess of $2 billion.

The connivers will then give the taxpayers a choice as to how they can pay for this boondoggle: federal, state, local taxes, gas or sales tax, new or old taxes, a surtax on everything or a value-added tax. Payment by Mastercard, Visa or American Express will also be accepted. Make no mistake, payments will be made well into the next century. No light-rail system in the country exists without a subsidy.

The Toonerville trolley is an idea whose time is in the past and should be buried now.

David S. Silverman

Virginia Beach, Sept. 25, 1997

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