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

DATE: TUESDAY, May 25, 1993                   TAG: 9305250632
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MAKE CONGRESS LOOK MORE LIKE AMERICA

I BELIEVE one thing could be done that would do wonders for America's government: Cut representatives' and senators' salaries to $50,000 a year. After doing this, members of Congress would be those who truly want to serve. We will no longer have career politicians, because it will no longer be financially feasible. The number of new congressmen at each session will increase drastically, keeping the system infused with fresh blood. Finally, senators and representatives will be better attuned to the needs of their constituents if they are making a more comparable salary. If the makeup of Congress were more typical of America, the government would better serve the people.

I realize this solution is highly idealistic. Senators and representatives rarely deprive themselves of a raise, and they will never voluntarily cut their own pay as required. But despite its improbability, this is the only way to truly reform government so that it becomes manageable, and so that the people of this country are again part of the system. JEFF FORD NEW CASTLE

by CNB