Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 21, 1992 TAG: 9202210024
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Joan Munford
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
REPRESENTATIVE'S SAMPLE: WHAT YOU THINK
We have compiled your answers to the legislative questionnaire that was published in this paper last month. I am very gratified by the number of responses. Your comments and advice on these issues are a great help to me in representing your views in the General Assembly. This year, I received 735 questionnaires and to each of you that responded, I say thank you.Listed below are the results. The first three questions will total more than 100 percent, as many responses included more than one answer. The figures have been rounded off.
Due to the continuing economic recession, Virginia's revenue will not meet all of its current needs. Should the General Assembly:
Raise taxes? 71 percent
Cut Spending? 44 percent
The governor has proposed another 5 percent in across-the-board cuts for every state agency, along with additional cuts in specific programs. The House of Delegates has, to date, not approved any tax increases.
If you think taxes should be raised, what tax increase(s) would you support?
Cigarettes: 81 percent
Sales tax: 43 percent
Beer, wine and alcohol: 80 percent
Income tax: 30 percent
The Senate has approved a 1/2-percent increase in income taxes for those incomes over $100,000. Other tax increases seem very unlikely at this point.
Would you favor a tax increase specifically for any of the following?
Education: 67 percent
Health care: 45 percent
Transportation: 14 percent
Social services: 28 percent
Funds for public education has been restored, however, funds for higher education may receive additional cuts.
Would you support a general obligation bond for construction projects at schools, colleges and universities?
Yes: 60 percent
No: 32 percent
No answer: 8 percent
There are currently three bond referendum proposals before the General Assembly. Two would provide funds for capitol projects, including approximately $40 million for Virginia Tech. The third proposal would include the capitol projects, plus funds for transportation, economic development and public education. Whichever proposal is approved will be subject to approval by the voters.
Under the current Dillon Rule, local governments receive only those powers given them by the state. Do you believe that local governments should have more flexibility or power by relaxing or doing away with the Dillon Rule?
Yes: 75 percent
No: 19 percent
No answer: 6 percent
There are no proposals before the General Assembly this year that would significantly change the relationship between the state and localities.
Do you favor the popular election of School Board members?
Yes: 87 percent
No: 12 percent
The House of Delegates has approved a measure that would allow voters to choose their method of selecting school board members. This measure is currently on the floor of the Senate.
Should the school year be lengthened by four weeks?
Yes: 42 percent
No: 53 percent
No answer: 7 percent
There is currently a proposal for a commission to study lengthening the school year. There is no active legislation that would extend the school year.
Should drivers suspected of drunken driving have their license suspended upon arrest?
Yes: 47 percent
No: 47 percent
No answer: 6 percent
The House of Delegates has approved legislation that would alow a magistrate to suspend a driver's license for seven days of anyone who failed a Breathalyzer test.
Again, my sincere thanks to each of you who took the time to answer the questionnaire. Representing you is an honor for me, and I try to reflect your views on the many issues that we confront in the General Assembly.
Joan Munford, a Blacksburg Democrat, represents most of Montgomery County and part of Giles County in the General Assembly. To contact her, call (804) 786-8425 or write to P.O. Box 406, Richmond, Va. 23203.