IN CASE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW

This may not be necessary but take it from an old man from Michigan. If we get four inches of snow there are likely those who can't successfully drive a car in it. Some good rules: Don't pass even if tempted, drive slow and keep your feet off the brake, and if you slide left turn wheels right quickly and carefully. Five inches forget driving, too many nuts on the road. In Michigan an eight inch snow meant get on the road early, aim between the mail boxes, pray while you drive and never less than forty five mph. My commute was fifty two miles and I never missed a day. Not bragging, just reporting. Here you don't know cold. If it got to forty below we'd put a lightbulb under the motor the night before, and bring plenty of food, water, and blankets just in case. But none of this can happen here. Gore says we are warming.

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

NEVER TOO OLD TO BE SCAMMED

A Cathy Wilson of Smithfield, if there really is such a person, is taking a terrible risk representing a firm that will scam you and take your money mercilessly. I bit on it, a method for whitening teeth. The magazine article suggests you to buy two separate products from different companies and combine the two for the whitest teeth possible. The charges for the two products are minimal but then they get you. You learn you are already signed up for several months supply at over $84 per month UNLESS you send the product you just received back immediately. I went so far as to send it back the next day and through the post office forced them to sign for it. That company called me to say I had successfully cancelled the order but the very next credit card statement showed a charge for $84. My credit card rep said many folks have been victims of this fraud and find themselves legally stuck for the payments. See the picture ad in the Suffolk News Herald

I KNOW I AM STATING THE OBVIOUS

Dr. Liverman and our local government officials need to face an economic reality: The collective income of the people and business has declined, state and federal tax revenues have correspondingly declined, and therefore, local revenues and budgets must also decline. Those are the economic facts of life—in good times government entities can enhance their service levels (Dr. Liverman has spoken much of this), but in bad times they must contract to survive (or more pointedly, so their taxpayers can survive). Facts are facts, as the saying goes.

Accordingly, it’s time to stop the talk about preserving the status quo and time to start planning and prioritizing the cuts and changes that have to be made in response to “bad” economic times. And hey, when “good” times do return, these same planning efforts will serve as their map for reversing the impact of the required cuts in that same prioritized manner. To rational folks, this is a much more positive and proactive approach because it recognizes economic realities rather than bemoaning them.

So let’s get on with the business of facing facts and addressing reality. And after all, isn’t that what we should be teaching our students?

Dennis Pike

LOCAL HERO

Small businessman LeOtis Williams outdid himself when he donated $5000 to the Haiti relief fund. Always generous he is known for the free turkey dinners he provides each year to those less fortunate. Mr. Williams is a good citizen who leads the way, and does it quietly. So who will match his gift to mankind?

THIS TIME AROUND COMMON SENSE

We all know that the last Mayoral election was a disaster in that the desired result could not be obtained because intelligent men could not or would not cooperate to defeat incumbents. It makes no sense to risk splitting the vote yet all candidates spent money and labored to the obvious end, betting their charm would pave the way to glory. In the next mayoral election, if the goal still is to replace the Mayor, perhaps the use of brains will help.

All agree that three incumbent Councilmen cannot be replaced because their expertise has accomplished so much for the residents of their boroughs. At least that must be what their borough residents believe. Complaints are many from residents of certain areas of the city and they suggest they are being treated differently in regard to their streets and housing. Yet those who represent them have had years to upgrade living conditions and apparently have failed. So what might the answer be?

As for the School Board, perhaps some have had enough experience attempting to upgrade the minds of students. Perhaps fresh blood is the answer. But for Council, Mayor, and School Board the answer is the same. If there are no leaders among the citizens then nothing will change. We need younger, more eager to accomplish citizens to do something for the community by offering their services…Run

LET'S BE FAIR AND COURAGEOUS.

Several comments have come in during the past few months about the actions/inactions of various Council members and city employees, some with charges of chicanery. We at IS are in no position to judge if a charge is accurate or invented and those charged have no recourse but to defend or ignore. IS will be pleased to provide space for any honest defense. Because we allow all those who comment the shield of anonymity it is impossible for one on one discourse. We will not change our rules at this point but would prefer a bit more courage from those who toss out what they believe to be impropriety on the part of anyone.

Doomsday Budget?

As president of Virginia's Association of School Superintendents, Dr. Liverman (Superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools) provided comments related to this year's budget.

Click this link to read Dr. Liverman's speech.
Take a minute to read his comments and then share some of your own.  Is this really a doomsday budget?  Or is it just that the gravy train is over?  Does Dr. Liverman's comments reflect those of our School Board or those of his as a representative of the group he represented? Are the requests by VASS a mirror image of the citizens to whom our elected school board members are held accountable? We have an elected school board in Suffolk and I'm not sure Dr. Liverman’s thoughts represent the direction for where the real accountability lies. Dr. Liverman's comments represent his opinions based on the VASS group – unless we hear otherwise from the school board.  I only say this because of some of the other statements he made related to vouchers and the like.  As a citizen, I was surprised at some of the comments he made - and wonder if they are indeed, supported by the School Board.

As a citizen, what might we expect when our education budget is cut? A fair process that includes all stakeholders? Cuts that are based on the priorities of the citizens and the school district? Priorities that ensure we have high student achievement at the classroom level?  Dr. Liverman insists that if money goes, student achievement also goes.  I say to keep the things that the district knows leads to high student achievement - and then work the budget from that priority.

IT IS OUR MONEY, AGAIN!!

I am at a crossroads on this issue, with the latest decision by the Council to give the Obici House to Mr. Roundtree via his existing RFP and lease for the Golf Course, without open bidding. I have personally talked to the Mayor and Mr. Parr, and both have assured me that there would be “no public money spent on another historical project” in this hard economy. I thought that was very clear and to the point, but what is the difference between Mr. Roundtree spending the rent money from the Golf Course Lease payments to renovate the Obici House, which would accrue to the city (ie: PUBLIC MONEY!!!) and just spending more PUBLIC MONEY??? This is a farce to say the least and will lead to spending “Public Money” for another historical project by way of the BACKDOOR! This backdoor method to get at “PUBLIC FUNDS” in these hard times, is not what we were sold. Don’t get me wrong, I do support a “privately funded effort” to save this important home, but this is just more sleight of hand under the guise of a solution! I also believe that this just might violate the Virginia Procurement ACT, by making such a significant change to the RFP/Lease and all without open bidding or public comment...

Then there are the many questions about: How and to what level this restoration will be done? Will it be done to the accepted standards and by the “book”? Who will monitor the process for “Historical Appropriateness” or for proper adaptive reuse since it is outside the "Historical Overlay District"? Who will monitor Mr. Roundtree’s plans and expenditures for what is nothing more than the spending of "accrued public rent monies" that would have been paid to the “General Fund” just like our taxes? Will these expenditures of public funds, that would otherwise be in the public coffers, be fully accounted for and spent wisely?

So as I see it, too many questions and too few answers.

THE COURSE HAS BEEN REVERSED

What happened up in Mass today is as important to me as the last day of World War II and it opened up a door to a better chance we will recover from the damage done. It will still be a financial struggle for most because of the national debt, but without further damage the nation will be encouraged to clean up the mess. Down with progressive liberalism and Socialism. Raise the flag of Conservatism. NO SOUR GRAPES, FOLKS, YOU COULD SEE IT COMING.

Local Elections 2010

We know, we know.  November is a bit of a ways off.  But those who choose to run for either City Council or School Board have until June to file their candidacy plans with the State Board of Elections.

In the November election, citizens from four boroughs will vote on key seats - four for city council and another four for the School Board.  The boroughs are Chuckatuck, Cypress, Holy Neck, and Suffolk.  The picture shows the incumbents for those seats.


Now, let's talk.  What do we want to see in an effective council or school board member?  Who has done a worthy job?  Who needs to step aside?  What issues have been resolved under the leadership of our incumbents?  What still needs to be resolved?  For the issues that still need to be resolved, are the incumbents up to the task or do we need to bring in someone different?  If you think someone different is needed, who would you suggest? Have the incumbents kept their campaign promises?  Have they done what they've said they will do?  Do their votes support this?  Does the work they have done on behalf of citizens support this?

HE BUILT IT FOR LOUISE

Is there a genuine reason to tear down the beautiful Obici House? We believe it is wrong to consider. The 18th hole at Sleepy Hole is bragged about in this area because of the scenery but most important is the fame of the man who had it built out of love for his wife. Restoring its charm would enhance the golf course and we hope Roundtree will recognize it as a tribute to her whose name was removed from the only hospital we had for many years. Obici made Suffolk famous, on the map, and employed hundreds. Some believe The Suffolk Professional Firefighters Union has the spirit but the wrong motivation. The Citizens for the Preservation of Obici House group probably can find the money. Moving Obici House is out of the question but Roundtree has other plans for that perfect spot. Surely he will work it out to the satisfaction of everyone and he deserves everyone’s cooperation.

LET IT REST A BIT

It is possible that “IS” has allowed the wind to whip and spread the grass fire surrounding the Obici Home opinions. We agree that the form used to decide whether or not and RFP has merit is not satisfactory any way you look at it. It is also not clear which individuals make the final call. And we agree persons who submit RFPs deserve answers spelling out why they did not past muster, perhaps a face to face open and transparent.

But as we look around and talk with the principals we find no previous or current plans to build a row of condos anywhere on the golf course. So, if you don’t mind lets drop it and give Mr. Roundtree a break. We find him to be a decent man with a true interest in Suffolk. If new evidence, genuine and fair, pops up that’s a different story. So far no one has produced evidence of any kind.

OPINION IN SNH WORTH A READ

Leandra DeFoe writes about the seven thousand square foot Obici House while chasing a Masters Degree and finds the city guilty of creating a problem by simple neglect. Could it be that many years ago it had already been decided to tear it down.If they had merely plugged the roof leakage, the article charges, it would be easily fixable today. Check it out.

Cities Using Various Business Models for Broadband Networks.

“Government Technology (1/12, Nichols) reported that "for the past few years, as cities across the country jumped on the broadband wagon, many government IT leaders kept getting stuck on the first and most important one" of how to pay for it. Yet, "some cities have succeeded in delivering broadband service to the public." First responders in New York, for example, "can access files through the $500 million high-speed New York City Wireless Network (NYCWiN), built and operated for the next five years by Northrop Grumman Corp. Other areas such as Bristol, Va. and Corpus Christi, Texas, have also developed thriving models of a public network." In addition, Philadelphia and Minneapolis have shown "two very different ways in which a city can make that big connection." Philadelphia opted for a publicly funded network, while Minneapolis "chose to become the anchor tenant for US Internet" and now has "more than 16,000 private subscribers."”


This headline item above is important, because it addresses a real need to add to the quality of life for the average citizen, and is an important basis for the development of access to “High-Tech” tools for one and all. The glue that binds our modern society is wide access to broadband or high speed internet access and information. With such access, people become much more connected, productive, and interested in improving their own lot. It also gives them access to productive job searches, academic work to improve their educations, technology driven jobs, and a connected sense to their fellow citizens and community.

While it is a hard economic time there is no doubt, with so much talk about building jobs with improvements by long range plans for infrastructure, the development of broadband access could be more important that building roads, bridges, or trains. With such broadband access, the development of jobs that “telecommute” and are driven by our information based society, could explode. So with such in mind, is it time to work harder and more focused for grants and funds to provide for such in our two core city centers, and provide public “Wide-Area Broadband” access for all? This is an item whose time has come and just may be the wheels that drives real economic resurrection… COMMENTS?

Roger A. Leonard, MPA
Suffolk…

DON'T WAIT FOR US WRITE A POST

We figure most people realize they were tricked by who ever planned our current President’s campaign and know now what problems lie ahead for taxpayers. Several liberals and progressives have decided to avoid embarrassment by eliminating themselves as candidates and may help solve the problems. So the “IS” team wants to get back to local issues. We want to involve you in a different way by taking advantage of what you know. So far we have been selecting the subject, Post, and you write the comments. You may know a subject we should be kicking around and here is your opportunity to write a Post anonymously or with your name on it. It is easy to do. Here’s how. Go to the “comment” section on any Post, it makes no difference which one. Just write, on the first COMMENT line, “This is a Post.” We will take it from there and make it a Post so others can write their comments. We always try to Post what we think is on the minds of Suffolk citizens and you can help us achieve that goal. We know that over 45,000 different computers have hooked on to “IS” and everyone should know what you know. It’s called “Transparency.” Our Council meets many times in what they call “Closed Meetings.” We can’t be accused of that if you write a Post.

OUR SECOND READER POST

The fate of Obici House is left to those that will benefit from its destruction. How convenient that Ronnie Roundtree, the manager of the golf course, is on the planning commission and served while L. J. was a council member representing his borough? Let's also remember that Ronnie owns a construction company that donated to Linda's mayoral campaign. Now add that the Mayor is a prominent real estate agent in that corner of the city and obviously supports the destruction of the Obici House, she has not come up with any solutions to save it. Lastly, Gardy is not only a councilman and law partner with the mayor's husband; he has expertise in real estate law.

What do these citizens have in common? They want the Obici House property developed, not restored. Gardy did suggest memorabilia be preserved in case Suffolk students are taught Suffolk history. Why has the city council moved so fast on the Obici House future, there was no speedy effort when the bridge to Driver went down. Was it because no one could make any money on that deal? The Obici House is a different story…when a Roundtree family member told me Obici House restoration was too expensive they gave away Ronnie’s position. Has the possibility of public/private partnership ever surfaced? What about the issuance of bonds? Condos there would be expensive, waterfront, on the golf course, imagine the descriptive real estate ads. It is perfect and all too convenient, any other development might need help from zoning, planning commission, leases from the city, a private construction company and a connected real estate firm. If Riddick's Folly were in bad shape would it face the same demise?

Two million dollars for restoration in a recession is a lot of money. But Mr. Obici, during a much worse depression, had faith in Suffolk. Had he not stopped and invested, our little downtown would still be a rest stop on the way to Emporia. Anonymous

THE FIRST READER POST

The Daily Press headline today reads, "Suffolk ponders fate of Planters founder's mansion". They aren't "pondering" anything. The fate of this house has been a forgone conclusion for over a year and its demise was part of the city's deal with Ronnie Rountree to take over the golf course. He made no secret of the fact that he wanted it gone and gone it will be. All of this brouhaha over RFP's and unsolicited proposals has been a show strictly for public consumption so that they can now throw up their hands and say, "we've done everything we can, but now it's over." There is and has been a proposal on the table from the CPOH that would restore the house, make it self sustaining and allow for its use by the public without using one penny of taxpayer money, yet the City refuses to consider this proposal under the guise that "they haven't stated where the money is coming from" while ignoring CPOH's answer to that question. Few restoration projects within this city, or any other, in recent years has had total financing up front. Monies come from a combination of State and Federal tax credits, loans, private donations and ongoing fundraising. This project would be no different. However not being able to nail down exactly where their funds are coming from gives council and the city manager the excuse they need to reject their proposal. What a travesty! Their actions throughout have been disgraceful and have made a mockery of the process. The message that continually comes out of council is "we don't care what the people want...we know what is best and we will act regardless". They should all lose their jobs over this from the mayor on down to the assistant city manager and the citizens of Suffolk should be very watchful of the doings of this council with regards to this issue as well as others.We have an obligation to speak out loud about our dissatisfaction in the upcoming election. They should reap what they have sown and we as a citizenry should show them the door! Unfortunately for the Obici House it will be too late. (Anonymous)

NEPOTISM IS A STICKY SUBJECT

When I returned from the war in Europe the Chris Craft Corporation had promised a job for any returning veteran. My older brother was Plant Manager and said, “No.” But higher officials insisted the promise be kept. Is it nepotism if the Commonwealth Attorney hires the Commonwealth Treasurers’ wife? You can get an argument both ways. Especially when the lady is hired as a 13 on the Department scale and is suddenly moved to a 30 for reasons not quite clear. Council members decried the promotion because it just didn’t look right and you can guess what other employees thought. Our Council voted 7 to 1 against the move but was ignored. Council failed to summon the courage to say, “No” and requested services of a consultant who suggested a 27 rating was ample. But because you pay the salaries of all concerned we believe you have a right to an opinion. So, what say you?

A COMMENT THAT BECAME A POST

HEALTH CONTROL hasn't 100% been passed yet and as Big Government goes in for the kill on the healthcare industry here's how things have been working out for the part of it that has already been nationalized: The Mayo Clinic, praised by President Barack Obama as a national model for efficient health care, will stop accepting Medicare patients as of [January 1] at one of its primary-care clinics in Arizona, saying the U.S. government pays too little. …Obama in June cited the nonprofit Rochester, Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for offering "the highest quality care at costs well below the national norm." Mayo's move to drop Medicare patients may be copied by family doctors, some of whom have stopped accepting new patients from the program, said Lori Heim, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, in a telephone interview…"Many physicians have said, 'I simply cannot afford to keep taking care of Medicare patients,'" said Heim, a family doctor who practices in Laurinburg, North Carolina. "If you truly know your business costs and you are losing money, it doesn't make sense to do more of it." The Mayo organization had 3,700 staff physicians and scientists and treated 526,000 patients in 2008. It lost $840 million last year on Medicare, the government's health program for the disabled and those 65 and older, Mayo spokeswoman Lynn Closway said. GM and Chrysler don't have to make profits anymore, why should hospitals? The idea is to provide cushy positions for Comrade Obama's union friends, not to operate efficiently. Nationwide, doctors made about 20 percent less for treating Medicare patients than they did caring for privately insured patients in 2007, a payment gap that has remained stable during the last decade, according to a March report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a panel that advises Congress on Medicare issues. Congress last week postponed for two months a 21.5 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements for doctors. But of course when all healthcare is under federal micromanagement, doctors will have no choice to accept whatever pay the petty tyrants in Washington deign to offer them. However, liberals still haven't solved the problem of people having a choice on whether they become doctors in the first place. This Post came in as a comment from Anonymous.

THE TIME IS NOW

According to some there is a great demand for an easy way to recycle household waste. Now is your chance, for as little as forty cents per day you get a ninety gallon tub that will be picked up every other week on your regular trash day. It looks like you can toss anything in there except organic garbage. There are about
32,ooo households in Suffolk and the vendor needs 3000 signers, less than 10%. So your problem is solved for $12. per month. Three hundred have already signed. It will be interestsing to see how quickly signers appear.