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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 22, 1992                   TAG: 9201220399
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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TOO FEW GOP SEATS ON KEY COMMITTEES

I CALL ON all Virginians to join me in a toast to the newly elected leadership in the Virginia General Assembly. To the Democrat majority leaders, let's raise our teabags (as a reminder of the Boston Tea Party) in protest of unfair committee assignments.

For example, allowing only four Republicans out of 20 members (20 percent on the key House Appropriations Committee) is patently unfair and tears at the fabric of the democratic process. To the Republican minority leaders, let's lend our voices in cheer for champions like Vance Wilkins, who is battling to bring about fair and proportional representation demanded by our form of government.

As a result of the elections last November, the Republican minority representation in the House of Delegates is 41 percent, and 45 percent in the Senate. Voters should be guaranteed this same proportional representation on House and Senate commitees.

The opportunity for proportional representation should exist for all committees as a matter of standing rules and not be a matter for partisan bickering. To do anything less will provide another example why voters have developed disdain for their government.

Let us toast the leadership with a reminder of Virginia's motto that condemns tyranny: Sic semper tyrannis. LEO A. DEMERS STAUNTON

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