Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 19, 1990 TAG: 9005190480
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PETER MATHEWS NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
In a nearly two-hour town meeting, Boucher and about 35 constituents touched on a wide range of questions including abortion, school prayer, the savings and loan bailout and environmental issues.
But the road was foremost in the minds of about a half-dozen opponents who pressed the Abingdon Democrat about his position.
Boucher assured them that he had little, if any, role in deciding which of seven potential routes would be picked. Three would speed travel between the New River and Roanoke valleys, three others would be new bypasses between Blacksburg and Christiansburg, and the seventh plan calls for widening the existing U.S. 460.
But once a route is selected, Boucher said, he will do what he can to secure federal funding.
On other issues, Boucher:
Touted an oil import fee as a way to reduce the deficit and curb U.S. dependence on foreign oil. He said a fee also would help the domestic oil industry and make Southwest Virginia coal more attractive.
Said he expected passage of legislation he is sponsoring that would enable Virginia to ban out-of-state trash. The bill would allow such bans in states that have developed comprehensive waste plans.
He said "garbage entrepreneurs" had acquired land in Bland, Lee and Wise counties, raising fears that another landfill that accepts out-of-state trash will develop as Kim-Stan did in Alleghany County.
"I think it's time that we closed the door to that kind of activity," Boucher said.
by CNB