Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, October 9, 1995 TAG: 9510090092
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DWAYNE YANCEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
But before the night was over, both Cranwell and the Republican office-holders were ganging up on what they perceive to be a common enemy - Northern Virginia.
Cranwell warned that, if Republicans win control of the General Assembly, the key committees that deal with the budget, schools and roads will be headed by legislators from Northern Virginia - a region that has long wanted to rewrite the state's funding formulas to direct more money to the Washington suburbs.
"We've got to struggle every day to get our funding share," he said. That's why, Cranwell said, Western Virginia voters have a special interest in re-electing Democrats, especially ones in key positions, such as himself - he is chairman of the House Finance Committee. "The reason we've got that money is because of the people we've got in Richmond."
Before long, Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and state Sen. Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo, R-Fincastle, also were warning about Northern Virginia's voracious appetite for money.
"The people in Northern Virginia do not want to fund disparity," Trumbo said, referring to the state's efforts to spend more money on financially stressed school systems in rural areas. He even referred to the Washington suburbs as "the occupied territories of Northern Virginia."
But both Republicans came to a conclusion different from Cranwell's about which party would most benefit this region.
"Southwest Virginia needs to have more Republican legislators because Republicans are going to be the majority party," Griffith said. He specifically suggested electing Cranwell's GOP opponent, Trixie Averill.
And when the talk turned to a legislative study that could result in changing the state's road-funding formula to benefit Northern Virginia, Trumbo jumped up and declared: "That's why I need to be the chairman of Rules, so I can kill that study."
If there's a GOP majority in the Senate, Trumbo is potentially in line to chair the Senate Rules Committee.
Introducing Averill
Some candidates need no introduction. Republican House of Delegates candidate Trixie Averill of Roanoke County probably could have done without the one she got last week at the Fort Lewis Civic League.
The moderator began by recognizing that some of the office-holders on hand had been to the league's candidate forums in years past. "I know all of you except the young lady - or the middle-aged lady," the moderator said, as Averill's jaw dropped.
"Wait a minute," she exclaimed. "I like the first one better."
So the moderator corrected himself. "How about the good-looking lady?"
Want to hear more?
Want to hear what the candidates have been saying? You can now listen to excerpts of two recent debates on InfoLine. One features state Sen. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County, and Democratic challenger John Edwards; the other involves Del. Jim Shuler, D-Blacksburg, and Republican challenger Larry Linkous.
Call InfoLine at 981-0100 in Roanoke or 382-0200 in New River and press category 8683 (VOTE).
Citizen calendar
Want to hear the candidates? Here are some opportunities this week:
BLACKSBURG: Tuesday, 7 p.m., Donaldson Brown Auditorium at Virginia Tech. A debate between state Sen. Madison Marye, D-Shawsville, and Republican challenger Pat Cupp. The debate will be broadcast live over WVTF-FM, 89.1.
DUBLIN: Wednesday, 7 p.m., New River Community College, Rooker Hall. Many of the Pulaski County candidates for Board of Supervisors, School Board and constitutional offices are scheduled to appear.
ROANOKE: Thursday, 8 p.m. The Roanoke Valley candidates for General Assembly are scheduled to appear at a forum sponsored by the Salem/Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 387-0267.
CHRISTIANSBURG: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Candidates for the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to appear. Sponsored by the Montgomery County League of Women Voters.
NORTH LAKES: Sunday, 6 p.m., North Lakes Swim Club. The candidates for the Catawba District seats on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and School Board are scheduled to appear.
What do you think?
Are the General Assembly candidates talking about the issues you're concerned with?
Let us know so we can follow up:
PHONE: In Roanoke, 981-0100. In New River, 382-0200. Press category 7824.
FAX: 981-3346.
E-MAIL: roatimesinfi.net
WRITE: Dwayne Yancey, The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010.
Please include your name, address and phone number.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB