Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 24, 1995 TAG: 9505240072
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BRIAN KELLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"I've talked to people who believe in the power of education, and they are tired of being lectured by voices in Richmond," Shuler said. "Now is the time to make critical new investments in the heritage and hopes of higher education and for Southwest Virginia."
The first-term delegate should receive the Democratic nomination in a 12th District mass meeting at 7 p.m. June 5 in the Newport Recreation Center in Giles County. Last week, Republicans nominated Blacksburg's Larry Linkous, chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, to challenge Shuler.
Shuler, 51, took particular exception to Republican Gov. George Allen's budget-cutting agenda. Last winter, Shuler was one of many Democrats who helped House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell turn the tide against Allen's proposed $403 million in budget cuts, including a major cut to Virginia Tech's Cooperative Extension service.
The Tech graduate and veterinarian praised the thousands of state employees in the New River Valley "who, year after year, see their jobs threatened and their work maligned."
Shuler said he agreed with budget reductions in areas of duplication and wasteful spending. But he has drawn the line at further spending cuts for public schools, colleges, universities, mental health programs, community services and police protection.
Shuler's only oblique mention of Linkous came in connection to Allen's cost-cutting agenda. "I do not know why my honorable opponent has chosen to join that crowd of critics," Shuler said. "Perhaps he'd rather switch than fight." Linkous was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1991 as a Democrat. He left the party two years later and signed up on the Republican side.
Linkous, a Blacksburg auctioneer and catering-service owner, said Tuesday that Shuler must not have read the letters he sent to his Richmond office last winter opposing proposed cuts to higher education and other government services.
"If he wants to run against George Allen, I can very well run against Dickie Cranwell," Linkous said. Cranwell, who generally serves as a lightning rod for Democratic Party critics, spoke at Tech with Shuler last month.
Shuler, though, denied he is, in effect, running against the governor. "I'm not running against anybody. I'm running for the citizens and the children of the 12th District."
A few of those children had a chance to ask questions of Shuler on Tuesday. They al eitherl were members of or candidates for the Kipps Elementary School student council, explained Principal Ray Van Dyke. The students came up with their own questions, he said.
Andrea Arsenault, an 11-year-old fifth grader, asked Shuler what he liked the most about serving in the General Assembly. "No. 1, it's an awesome experience," he said.
He also took his campaign theme directly to the pint-sized politicos. "I think education is the key for your future," he told the pupils.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB