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

DATE: SUNDAY, May 2, 1993                   TAG: 9305030273
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: F-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

COMPROMISE CAN AVERT CRISIS HERE

RECENTLY, President Clinton made a stop in the Pacific Northwest to attend the so-called forest summit called by feuding loggers and environmentalists. The fact he has to step in to mediate a local squabble is evidence that this situation has been sadly blown out of proportion. With better communication and planning, perhaps they could have resolved their differences long ago without Clinton's help.

Considering the abundance of natural resources in the area, it surprises me that we don't have disputes like this more often. In fact, we've probably been very lucky. That's why it's important to act now. Contrary to popular belief, there does not have to be a natural antagonism between industry and the environment. With strong community involvement and a firm commitment to compromise, potential crises could be averted. The valley needs to decide what works, what doesn't, and what we can do in the future. In other words, let's have the summit now rather than wait for problems to crop up. With a little effort, maybe we can save the president a trip to Roanoke. BRAD GARRETT DALEVILLE

by CNB