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

DATE: SATURDAY, February 9, 1991                   TAG: 9102110251
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

COME TOGETHER TO SOLVE FISCAL PROBLEMS

IN THIS TIME of fiscal crisis, the people of this state need leaders who will unite us to rise above the budget deficit. Yet Gov. Wilder proposes unpaid furloughs for all state employees to raise $87 million.

Wilder's view is politically sound. There are only 110,000 state employees who might be mad about this move, compared with the 6 million who might not appreciate an increase in general taxes. However, this move polarizes state employees as a minority separate from Virginia's citizens. It does nothing to draw all Virginians to solve this problem together.

This country needs a similar unified effort to overcome budget deficits that threaten America's strength and prosperity. We do not need leaders who segregate a select group of citizens who will somehow pay the price. We need leaders who will draw citizens together. And a few who display American ingenuity too. Any really good ideas out there? BRUCE P. MAHIN RADFORD

by CNB