Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 27, 1993 TAG: 9310270222
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
What the flier doesn't say, however, is that Cranwell sponsored a bill in 1989 Brumitt argued that the philosophy he voiced in the radio show is no different than the idea behind Cranwell's local-option income tax bill in 1989. that would do just that.
Cranwell maintained Tuesday there was nothing misleading about the flier's claim that he has "fought for years against a local-option income tax."
The Roanoke County Democrat noted that the local-option income tax bill he sponsored required voters to pass a referendum before a locality could enact the tax.
"I wouldn't be opposed to the citizens having the right to vote on it," he said.
Bud Brumitt, a retired engineer who moved to Botetourt County in 1992, said that Cranwell was making a distinction without meaning.
"He's criticizing me for saying what he's already done," Brumitt said.
Brumitt enters the final week of the 14th House District campaign running a distant second in fund raising.
Cranwell, the House majority leader, has taken nothing for granted in his first election challenge since 1981.
With fund-raisers in Northern Virginia and Richmond, Cranwell has collected campaign contributions from scores of lobbyists, real estate developers and political action committees.
Through Oct. 20, Cranwell reported raising $150,000 - five times as much as the $29,597 Brumitt had collected - according to campaign finance reports filed Monday.
Cranwell has directed nearly half his resources toward radio commercials and direct mail, including the local-option income tax flier sent to voters in the district - which covers Craig County, eastern and northern Roanoke County, southern Botetourt County and western Bedford County.
"Hang on to your wallet!" reads the flier, printed in white letters against an ominous black background.
"Are you ready for a local income tax? Bud Brumitt says you are."
The flier is based on Brumitt's statement, made during a radio debate last month, that he thought that localities in Virginia should have the flexibility to pass local ordinances without permission from the General Assembly.
Cranwell - setting a trap - asked Brumitt if he thought localities should be able to enact such things as local sales taxes and income taxes.
"I would say that they should have that right," Brumitt replied.
Tuesday, Brumitt said he does not favor a local income tax, but believes localities should be given the option if they so chose.
Brumitt argued that the philosophy he voiced in the radio show is no different than the idea behind Cranwell's local-option income tax bill in 1989.
Cranwell claimed there was one important distinction - his bill required a referendum.
"I told the governor [Gerald Baliles] that was the only way I'd put it in," Cranwell said.
Cranwell said the referendum meant that legislators who opposed a local-option sales tax could support the bill because it simply set in place a voter initiative.
The bill was designed to deal with overcrowded roads in nine Northern Virginia localities and Norfolk.
It allowed the localities to enact a 1 percent income tax, provided voters approved a referendum and the revenue went to transportation projects.
The bill was enacted into law, but no locality has put the issue on the ballot.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB