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

DATE: THURSDAY, March 5, 1992                   TAG: 9203050484
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SPECIAL INTERESTS BACK ROAD PROJECT

LARRY HINCKER'S Feb. 17 commentary supporting the Musselwhite 3A and Alternate 6 compromise smacks of the special interests who present this project as a necessary and wise investment of 100 million to 130 million tax dollars.

Mr. Musselwhite's political career hinges on this project; he seeks Jim Olin's congressional seat and needs the Roanoke power-crowd support. Virginia Tech originated this project years ago and has a vested interest in the "smart" research; the Virginia Department of Transportation had a plan sold, and the movers/shakers who want this for their own reasons (quarry owners, equipment suppliers, etc.) are not used to being denied. Hincker represents a special interest: Tech, which, like other special interests, wants tax-funded projects to its benefit.

The question legislators and taxpayers should be asking: Is this the way to spend $100 million to $130 million, compared to education needs, additional community colleges, parks, etc.? ROY LOCHNER ROANOKE

by CNB