Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 28, 1995 TAG: 9501300031
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The War of the Posters that began as a distraction actually became rather humorous. It all began when Roanoke County Del. Richard Cranwell, knight of the Democrats, used a 3-foot poster to explain his view of the dollars involved in the budget debate.
One day later came his fellow Democrat, Del. David Brickley of Woodbridge, with a 31/2-foot poster, which needed an assistant to hold it, so he could describe certain aspects of the budget and Business, Professional and Occupational License tax.
The following day, Del. Randy Forbes, R-Chesapeake, presented a 6-foot poster, which needed two delegates to hold it and one to assist with placing velcro exhibits on the felt board.
The next day came Del. William Robinson, D-Norfolk, who presented a 3-foot poster only to be chastised by the House members for his poster not being large enough to read.
Maybe next week, we will have a delegate bring in a wide-screen television with a live satellite hookup from his or her district to present to the House chamber. I sure hope we do not continue down this path. While it is interesting and enlightening to hear the debate, we are still a part-time legislature and losing an hour or more a day is making it harder to complete our work within the 45-day limit.
The race to have bills signed is another distraction from the needed time to study and review legislation. I signed a number of pieces of legislation, but chose to sign few budget amendments, not because I thought they were bad but because I was opposed to the process. Last year, I voted against the makeup of the House Appropriations Committee by voting against the procedural rules. The House Appropriations Committee is the most partisan committee with only five Republicans as opposed to 16 Democrats. The other committees, although weighted with a majority of Democrats, are more representative than the money committees. For Republicans, the real issues on the budget will be addressed on the floor, and I will review each item on its individual merits.
I do believe we can cut the budget by millions of dollars but fear we probably will not be able to cut the full $400 million proposed by Gov. Allen. His leadership will bring about reduced government, but we need to be careful not to harm the good of state programs in the process.
It became so hectic that I may have offended an aide. As I opened the door to my office, an aide handed me another piece of legislation to sign. In a smiling snarl, I said, "No more. I can't sign anymore." We both laughed, realizing the craziness of the process. It reminds me of a horde of locust buzzing down, consuming everything. The constant stream of people asking for signatures on bills and/or budget amendments could be eliminated. It only takes one signature to submit legislation.
I am also interested in the Courts of Justice hearings on judgeships. Pat Doherty of Salem was elected a Circuit Court judge Thursday. Henry Whitehurst of Christiansburg is also seeking a judgeship. He was nominated by the Montgomery County Bar Association for a juvenile and domestic relations district judgeship in a district that includes all of the New River Valley and some surrounding counties. Henry and the other nominees from surrounding counties have not been interviewed yet.
To contact Rep. Griffith, call (804) 786-6884 or stop by Room 447 in the General Assembly Building.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1995
by CNB