ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, May 27, 1996 TAG: 9605290007
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: HOLIDAY
YOUR EDITORIAL (``Don't cut the gas tax; double it'') and Randolph Gregg's letter to the editor (``Can Roanokers catch a train?'') published on May 19 relate to problems of gas prices and transportation, a huge national problem.
The editorial harps on congressional action that prevents a meaningful increase in the price of gasoline. The idea of raising gas taxes is certainly part of the solution, but not the total solution.
Your editorial states that U.S. gas prices are relatively low compared with the rest of the world's prices. This is very true. However, you failed to note that the rest of the world, with few exceptions, provides a door-to-door public-transportation system of buses, trains, ferries and aircraft that is second to none.
The United States has no such system. Rather, the United States continues to abandon all efforts to provide efficient, affordable public transportation. It should also be noted that in many parts of the world, gas-guzzling habits and high-cost gasoline help support low-cost public transportation. Of course, labor unions have also helped with the abandonment of our public-transportation systems.
When and if the administration and Congress stop their phony political actions and start meaningful governmental action, the United States may adopt an efficient public-transportation plan that will provide this country's working people an alternative method of travel to work. We need more buses, railroads and real preventive maintenance on our present highways and railroads, and fewer automobiles.
ANN WILLIAMS
WOODLAWN
Agency does not help families grow
IN RESPONSE to Planned Parenthood's special insert titled ``30 Years of Growing Families'' that ran in your newspaper recently:
What an oxymoron that is!
Can you fathom how many loving, healthy and happy homes have remained incomplete over the past 22 years because of the lack of babies available for adoption? Families have to wait years, even lifetimes, to be placed with a baby that was unintended or unwanted by the birth mother.
I'm thankful that legal abortions weren't part of the '50s' culture, because I was an unintended and unwanted child.
Imagine what Planned Parenthood would have told my mother if it had been around. I'm so glad Planned Parenthood didn't have a hand in ``growing'' my family!
LIBBIE McCUTCHEON
ROANOKE
Roanoke County is fiscally fine
DURING THE recent bond-referendum campaign, there was a great deal of discussion about the financial health of Roanoke County. No matter which way people voted on the bond issue, they should keep in mind that the fiscal stability of our county is greater than it has ever been.
I've been involved in the political process for many years, participated in the county's visioning process, and I am currently an Electoral Board member, so I have facts to back up these statements.
Roanoke County has an AA bond rating, making it one of the top 10 counties in Virginia. This is due to a stable economy, excellent debt ratios, sound financial management and the county government's commitment to spend funds on well-reasoned, necessary infrastructure.
While I don't always agree with members of the Board of Supervisors, I respect the work they do and their decisions. I'm proud to call Roanoke County my home. Name-calling and insults have no place in the political process in the Roanoke Valley, and I suggest that people interested in change should approach it in a positive manner.
RONKEITH ADKINS
ROANOKE
If wheat is short, why export it?
IT IS somewhat of a mystery to me that we have a wheat shortage. It seems we have plenty to sell Russia, usually on credit. I don't object to exporting wheat to foreign countries if we have a surplus, but charity begins at home.
As for the corn shortage, it puzzles me why so much corn is used to produce ethanol as a gas additive. Let's get our priorities in order.
EDWIN R. ROBERTSON
PEARISBURG
Miller's credentials are impressive
HAVING READ a distressingly ``Clintonic'' campaign brochure from incumbent Sen. John Warner, we are writing this letter to the editor in support of Jim Miller, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.
The Jim Miller we know is comfortable with Virginians from all walks of life - from woodsmen, farmers and academicians to young mothers and babies. He's disciplined, dependable and unimpressed by costly trappings.
Serving as director of the Office of Management and Budget, he provided valuable support for former President Reagan.
Miller is a family man; he will never vote for distribution of condoms in our schools. He respects and cherishes our freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution through the Bill of Rights.
He will not diminish our democracy by voting for socialist programs that undermine American society. He has common sense, great energy and compassion for those in need of a helping hand.
ELINOR and TOM WRIGHT
LEXINGTON
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