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

DATE: SATURDAY, December 17, 1994                   TAG: 9412280001
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BRIEFLY PUT . . .

TWO POINTS about the current interest in tax-cutting were on display this week at a meeting of local chambers of commerce with state legislators.

First, recognition that some tax changes are needed appears to be bipartisan. "I don't like that tax, either," said Del. Clifton "Chip" Woodrum of Roanoke, referring to the business-license tax that Gov. Allen wants to eliminate. He and other legislators are right not to believe that fiscal responsibility requires maintaining all taxes in their current rate and configuration.

The second point is that local officials, of whatever party, are beginning to see the writing on the wall, which will be written by others. As federal and state governments chase the political benefits of tax cutting, localities will inherit some of the fiscal costs.

Again, concern about local effects, albeit expressed in varying degrees, appeared to be bipartisan. Democrats weren't the only ones wondering whether adjustments will have to be made in local taxing authority. "Where the governor and I might part company is what we might do for the localities," said Morgan Griffith, R-Salem.

by CNB