
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 26, 1990                   TAG: 9007260487
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-14   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WELL-REPRESENTED BY GOV. WILDER

I AM AMAZED that Paxton Davis (column July 6) had the courage to compare Doug Wilder's recent helicopter outings to the woes of Marion Barry, Gary Hart, Jim Bakker and, unbelievably, Richard Nixon.

Gov. Wilder represents our state each time he makes a personal appearance. So far, he has represented us well.

His predecessor was also frequently on junkets of one sort or other that were not always directly related to state interests. Gov. Baliles' trips were well-received and helpful with his public image, but were never subject to the scrutiny Gov. Wilder has experienced.

Davis calls Wilder's flights "unauthorized." Since the State Police have authority over the helicopter, it would follow that only they could make such charges. In fact, the State Police commander has commented that Gov. Wilder's use of their services makes their job of protecting him easier.

Less to the point (much to Davis' discredit), I object to his insinuation of a more-than-social relationship between the governor and Patricia Kluge. Davis can only cite "rumors of a romance," but he has no qualms about perpetuating that rumor. Does Davis have visions of uncovering a Copter-Gate scandal? STEVEN D. SNYDER VINTON

by CNB