Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Nov. 16, 1989, edition 1 / Page 4
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Mayor Wood, it's your move SOME healing must take place now that the mayoral elec tion is over, and there are some amendslo^ be made on both sides of the fence. Those community leaders who supported Martha Wood and those who opposed her should sit down at a conference table and figure out how we can move forward together. It is in the best interest of our community that we find a way to reach each other despite our differences. Those who will lead Winston-Salem into the next decade must be big enough to build bridges that connect even the most diverse groups of people. Wood's campaign supporters were nothing if not diverse. She proved her ability to appeal to a broad cross-section of citi zens. She built a coalition that landed her into the mayor's seat. Unfortunately, while launching her into the mayor's seat, Wood's supporters also managed to slander the character and reputation of her opponent, Dee Smith. Dee Smith did not deserve the kinds of personal attacks that came from Wood's' camp. Neither did Wood deserve the attacks made against her. This is not to suggest that either camp was more wrong or right than the other, but the attacks against Smith clearly came-from WoodVcamp. It is-not-so clear that the attacks against Wood came from Smith's camp or were sanctioned by Smith. In any event, as the victor, Wood should be gracious enough to call for "peace talks." Instead, she does not acknowl edge that any harm was done, and she appears to naively believe that she is in for a honeymoon with city staff and other community leaders. This is not likely to happen unless Wood is willing to take on the role of peacemaker. If she continues to absolve herself and her supporters of any blame for the viciousness of the campaign, she will only succeed in driving a greater wedge between herself and those people whose help she will need in running this city.' ^ We supported Wood's candidacy and we will support her as mayor, but we believe she has a responsibility to help heal the wounds. Of course, that is a decision that only Wood can make. Her opponents, on the other hand, also have a decision to make. In fact, it is probably more accurate to say they have a challenge before them. The level of support that Len Sale received is a sad indication of the level of aversion to Wood. Whether they like it or not, Martha Wood is the next mayor of Winston-Salem. Their challenge is to accept that fact and work with her as best they can. The adjustment period for new administrations is never easy. Wood has the added burden of taking control of a city that is struggling to reidentify itself along several lines. Those who opposed her and who may still be smarting from her victory could easily undermine her administration. Wood is likely to be severely scrutinized by these factions. In fact, we expect that, for some in our community, Wood will never be able to do anything right. But we owe her a chance to make good. The majority of the voters who went to the polls last week chose Wood to lead this city. Unfortunately, those who voted for her may not be in a position to protect her from unnecessary criticism or give her the support she needs to make things happen for Winston Salem. ? . We hope that everyone in a position to influence the growth of our city will search their hearts and ask themselves the question: "Have I, personally, done something to restore harmony and move us forward in a more positive manner?" To The Editor: The United Way community volunteers are working harder than ever this year to raise funds needed to support our 49 sponsored agen cies. Your support and commitment to the United Way are needed this year more than ever to assure that individuals and families in need will be able to receive the level of service and professional training that the agencies are currently prb viding. A missed goal would mean missed opportunities for our com munity. Your participation could make the difference. This community has always responded in times of need, and I am confident that with your contin ued support and dedication, the United Way Campaign goal will be achieved and the needs of our com munity will be met. Thanks to each of you from the staff and volunteers of Goodwill Industries and the Center for the Hearing Impaired. Billy G. Whi taker, President Goodwill Industries Help needed now To The Editor: As I read the latest figures for the 1989 United Way Campaign, I came to the realization that unless we dig deep and give bur fair share, someone may not receive the help they need. The United Way goal is not simply a dollar goal to strive ~ for, but a gauge to see how many people we can help next year. Your dollars are what more than 50 local agencies depend on to provide the much-needed services they provide. Many times the only help a person can afford is the free help provided by these agencies. Some agencies are all volunteer, which means that the staff must work full time and Commitments needed for United Way campaign DEMOCRATS gEPRO-CHOfCE WOW N.J. N.V. VA, i volunteer as they can. This leaves little lime to raise the money needed to operate the agency. This brings it down to what you can do. Give your "fair share" to the United Way. You may not be able to donate your time or other resources, but you can give money. Every time the Kernersville Rescue Squad responds to an emer gency, it is because you cared enough to give. Your dollars turn into equipment which is used by our volunteers to return our services right back to you. Come on! Time is short! Give to your United Way today. Members Kernersville Volunteer Rescue Squad Dean Penry, Captain Here's to you To The Editor: The success of the disaster recovery operation in North Caroli CHRONICLE MAI LB AG Our Readers Speak Out na following Hurricane Hugo is due Thanks tO VOtSTS in large part to people like you and your news organization. To The Editor: When a major disaster is i would like to take this oppor declared by the president, our pub- tunity to express goodwill and lie information effort, focuses on thanks to all of the constituents who providing the facts people need to are responsible and made it possible know in order to apply for disaster for me to be re-elected as alderman assistance. Understandably, it is of the Southeast Ward again. during such trying times that the public can easily become confused y0Ur support is highly appreci and the overall recovery effort be ated and 1 will continue to serve in hampered. the be&l Way possible in represent ing you and your concerns. You have been a tremendous I will continue to strive for bet help in keeping the public informed, ter housing, the enforcement of I commend you for the professional stricter housing codes, adequate manner in which you have reported police/fire protection and keeping the disaster recovery. 1 am sure the an open mind to citizens' input people of North Carolina appreciate which is of a high priority. the work you've done in helping them through a difficult period. Your vote made a difference. Thank you for a job well done. Again, thank you. Tom Credle Larry W. Womble Federal Coordinating Officer Alderman, Southeast Ward About meeting our nation's economic needs The terrible earthquake in Cali fornia has exposed some fatal flaws in the way America is using its resources^ to meet national needs. As commentators focused on the billions necessary to rebuild damaged freeways, the realization came that simply rebuilding earthquake-dam aged highways and bridges represents just the tip of the iceberg. Even without natural disasters to account for damage, time and neglect have led to a deterioration of the transportation infrastructure this nation depends upon for its economic well-being. The Department of Transporta tion estimates that it will take almost $400 billion to repair or replace aging bridges and highways and modernize the air traffic control system. The Department of Housing and Urban Development says that it will take about $20 billion just to restore deteriorating public housing, and it will take many billions more to -increase the housing stock so that poor people and the homeless have decent housing. The human infrastructure needs -repair, too. Education and job skills training are crucial to America's abili ty to compete in global markets. But federal support for education and for job training declined sharply in the TO BE EQUAL By JOHN E. JACOB 1980s. The boom of the 1980s bypassed the poor and the cities, and resources ^willjiave to be found to reduce inequality, provide access to health care for the poor, and to end the intol erable poverty that afflicts one-fourth of all American children. Clearly, the 1990s will see mas sive federal investments in the nation's physical and human capital. Those investments have been deferred for so long that within a couple of years it's going to become a crisis sit uation ? and it often takes a crisis to finally get government to meet its ' responsibilities. Where will the money come has plenty of latitude to raise taxes in the highest bracket. America's afflu ent pay far lower taxes than those in other countries and, while the tax sys tem became less progressive, they sharply increased their share of national income. There are other sources for increased tax revenues, too - closing loopholes that survived the 1986 tax reform, ending deductions for mort gage interest on second homes, and a consumption tax on luxury items are among the possibilities. But many of the needed resources can come from shifting budget priori ties. With the Cold War winding from? Some of it will have to come from tax hikes. The tax cuts of the 1980s were so deep that government down, we've got to ask whether we still need to spend $300 billion on the military. The Soviets say they want to cut their defense spending by half, and even Cold Warriors here say that if we take them up on the offer, our own defense budget can be cut by a like amount without harming national security. Part of the reason for Japanese and German economic dominance lies in their low spending for defense -- proportionately one-third , to one-half less than ours. In effect, we're paying for the privilege of defending them. A close examination of the bud get would yield other resources that could be shifted to more productive uses. Expensive manned space flights, for example, have been attacked as more dangerous and less useful than cheaper, unmanned missions. The national bottom line is to invest in the future so that our econo my flourishes for all. Instead of trying to cut the capital gains tax, govern ment should raise more resources and use them better. John E. Jacob is president of the ? National Urban League. Chronicle Camera Do you think the justice system is fair to blacks and other minorities? With the Supreme Court's Hunt case despite the protests of threats to the community. formed to help insure that justice towards making the system fairer judges were appointed to federal recent overturn of the murder con- District Attorney Warren Sparrow Members of the Darry.l Hunt prevailed in the case in light of the for all citizens. courts during the Reagan adminis victions in the Darryl Hunt case, and District Attorney H. Dean Defense Fund Committee believe- controversy that has surrounded the Today, 11 A fro-Americans sit tration. ' many Afro-Americans are again Bowman. the bond was finally set because case for years. ' on the United States Court of This week's Chronicle Camera voicing their concerns about the Both argued that Mr. Hunt the judge in the case, an Afro- Observers of the justice system Appeals. They are among 152 asked residents to share their opin fairness of the country's justice sys- remains a threat to the community American, was sensitive to the across the country believe that sit- judges stationed throughout the ions on whether the justice system tem. and were worried that if he is issues surrounding the ease. ting more Afro-American judges in country in 12 federal jurisdictions. is noticeably unfair to Afro-Ameri The judge set bond in the~~reTeased on bond, he wiH pose new Hunt's defense committee was courtrooms will go a long way However, few Afro-American cans and to other minorities. "No.lt J* 1 "No. If a man seems to be says he did more pres- n't do it, it's sure on |fa| I not up to a blacks man to pun because H ?MMPH ish him.' more blacks return (to court) than whites." Kenneth Henry Patten Gregg "This sys tem Is not designed to be fair to minorities. It's designed to cater to people with money." Thomas ? 0?*y Drake Oliver "No. It goes back throughout our history. Whites still look at a man based on his skin color"
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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Nov. 16, 1989, edition 1
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