ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609180016
SECTION: HORIZON PAGE: 5 EDITION: METRO
MEMO: ***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on September 17, 1996.
In Sunday's Horizon section, 6th District Democratic conmgressional
candidate Jeff Grey's answer to a question about debt was omitted.
In response to the question "What will you do to reduce the national
debt, not the deficit?" Grey's answer was:
"Job creation and economic growth that puts Americans back to work in
high-skill, high-pay jobs will not only help family economics but will
also increase consumer spending and add to our nation's tax base. A
responsible government that cuts waste, fraud and abuse from government
programs will all help reduce the national debt."
1.
ECONOMY
"How are you preparing us for the global economy, and how is our half of the state coming to play in it?"
Cat White, Pulaski
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``As someone who has created businesses that compete globally, I understand the nature of our changing economy.'' Says Western Virginia can attract ``good-paying, high-tech'' jobs by emphasizing its ``tremendous fiber-optic capabilities, high-quality medical care,'' Virginia Tech and work ethic.
John Warner (R)
``Throughout my tenure, I have played an active role in preparing Virginia to compete in the global market by helping Virginia build a world-class transportation system including interstate highways like Interstate-73, and the `smart' highway.''' Also backs research at Virginia Tech.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Numerous workers in our area manufacture products for export around the world. We need better roads, like Interstate 73 and upgraded U.S. 58, to get goods to market. For our children, we need computers in classrooms. For today's workers, we need training opportunities.''
George Landrith (R)
``To complete in a global economy, we must give our children superior education. We must have good roads and the necessary infrastructure to attract good jobs. Finally, we must have low taxes and reduced regulatory burden so our companies can compete.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Creating high paying jobs here at home by opening access to markets is the key. I led the effort to get Interstate-73 routed through the Roanoke Valley. I worked hard to help attract new jobs with successes like Dynax, A.O. Smith, Meadville Forging, and Hanover.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``We are in a global economy. Our focus must be put on educational opportunities. We must provide public schools with the funds necessary to give children the tools they need to succeed in the job markets and higher education. Higher education opportunities must be increased.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``High taxes included in American prices make our exports less attractive. Also, government enforced standards penalize American innovation. Reducing taxes and government interference with trade is essential to our prosperity in the global economy.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``With the federal funding I have secured for industrial parks, water and wastewater systems, shell buildings and other infrastructure, more manufacturing firms will be attracted to this region.'' Also cites his work in telecommunications, which will ``enhance our prospects for attracting more technologically advanced firms.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Americans, and particularly the people of Southwest Virginia, can compete with any nation when they are not interfered with by the federal government. Taxes and regulations inflate the costs of U.S. goods and services, making it harder for American companies to compete abroad.``
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Providing relevant education and locations such as industrial parks for exporting industries to locate facilities are the two key items for our district to compete in the global economy. If we keep the jobs here, our children will be able to stay.''
2.
EDUCATION
``Education in earlier grades (K-4) needs to be immediately improved. What would you do?''
Dave Dalton, Pulaski
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
Says Head Start program is crucial. Backs full funding. Also, ``we should teach our students to use computers at an early age. I support computers in classrooms beginning in elementary school, not just for middle and high school students.''
John Warner (R)
``Improvement in primary education starts with parents working with their local school board to determine where assistance is most greatly needed. What cannot be addressed at the local level should then be taken to the General Assembly and the governor.'' Federal grants are last resort.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I have already supported investments which will begin decreasing class sizes for children in grades K-3, an important step toward better schools. Support for Head Start is another key element helping to ensure that young students get off to a good beginning.''
George Landrith (R)
``We must stress reading, writing, math, science and history and put the proper resources in the classroom - not waste them in a bureaucrat's office. Education should be teacher-, parent-and student-based. Parents need more choice in how their children are educated.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``K-4 education provides the foundation for a child's entire education. That's why I believe in these key early years we must focus education on teaching the vital basics like reading, writing, math, and respect for teachers and fellow students.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``I believe that Head Start is a very important ingredient to improving grades K-4. PTA involvement is also very important. In these early childhood years, the parents and teachers must work together and support their children's efforts to learn.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``One size does not fit all in education. More nongovernment schools offering a variety of methods are needed. My proposal for `Public School Cost Relief Tuition Bond' contracts will level the school-finance playing field in the education market.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The federal block grant for basic elementary and secondary education should be increased.... How these funds are expended, including curriculum choices, should remain the responsibility of local governments. and I oppose any federal intrusion into that decision-making process.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Unlike my opponent, I am opposed to handing over control of our children's education to federal bureaucrats.'' Schools are ``the role of local school boards and their communities. When elected, I will oppose programs like Goals 2000 which threaten local involvement.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Although this is not and should not be a congressional issue, my personal view is that K-4 class sizes need to be generally reduced to 15 or fewer students and the school systems expanded to cover education of prekindergarten age children.''
3.
TERM LIMITS
``I would like to know how each candidate feels about term limits.
Mary Hagan, Roanoke
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Because I believe public service is an honor, not a career, I have pledged to serve only two terms. I believe other candidates should take a similar pledge. If we want to change the political system, we need new people and new ideas in Washington.''
John Warner (R)
``I have voted to allow people at the state level to decide whether to impose term limits. I personally believe, however, that voters deserve the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice, whether a political newcomer or veteran.'' Says Democrats have blocked Senate vote on term limits.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I support term limits. I believe that these limits should be applied uniformly so that no state or district gains an unfair advantage by having representatives who have disproportionately greater seniority.''
George Landrith (R)
``I support term limits. People who serve in office too long risk losing touch with the needs and concerns of the people. I do not plan to make a career out of politics the way my opponent has during his 23 years In the Virginia Senate.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Putting term limits on professional politicians is a key part of bringing common-sense change to Washington. That's why I co-sponsored, and later voted for, the constitutional amendment bringing term limits to members of Congress.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``I believe that term limits interfere with the citizens' voting rights. The citizens must feel that they own the process of voting, the process that gives them the right to choose their representative, and demand fair and honest representation.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I will vote for six-year term limits for members of both houses of Congress. By the way, it was when I realized that term limits are the only way to end the seniority system in Congress that I became a term limits convert.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The enactment of term limits would deprive the American public of the fundamental and important right to choose the people who will represent them in Congress. Term limits would also make government less responsive to the public by enhancing the power of the unelected staff, the bureaucracy and lobbyists.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``I wholeheartedly support term limits for elected officials. My opponent has remained in Washington for 14 years. Politicians entrenched in Washington are less responsive to their constituency.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I am for limiting the terms of Congress to three terms. While the national debt has risen from 1 trillion to 6 trillion in 14 years, Congress has almost doubled their own pay and amassed million-dollar pensions at the taxpayers' expense. It makes one wonder if they still represent the people.''
4.
WELFARE
``What will happen to the children of welfare recipients who cannot or will not find work within the period mandated in the welfare bill?''
Phil Dalton, Roanoke
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
Urges businesses to ``provide as many private-sector jobs as possible for those welfare recipients who are trying their best to work. Second, children should not be punished if their parents are unwilling to find a job.'' Backs ``non-cash vouchers to provide basic necessities for children whose parents can't or won't find work.''
John Warner (R)
``I support the provision of emergency vouchers for the support of children whose families have not found work. Able-bodied parents who refuse to work should be sanctioned, but their children should not be made to suffer the consequences.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``In Virginia's welfare reform, there are hardship exceptions that provide persons truly unable to work with help. Even needy children whose parents refuse to work will still be able to get help from a number of other sources and from an array of organizations.''
George Landrith (R)
``Creating jobs must be one of our highest priorities. Good jobs provide opportunity and higher wages. Additionally, creating jobs will increase wages and guarantee that anyone willing and able to work can have a good job.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Basic necessities will always be provided, but millions of innocent children are currently trapped in the endless welfare cycle of poverty, despair, dependency, destroyed families and violent crime. These children deserve better, and that's what welfare reform brings.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``We must above all else support these families' efforts to love and care for their children. These children hold the future of this nation. Lest we should ever forsake them, we must maintain WIC, School Lunch Programs and Head Start.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Until political regulation of the economy ends, it would be immoral for the states arbitrarily to kick people off welfare. When barriers to enterprise have been removed, welfare can be; and those incapable of independence will be served by private charity.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I supported the effort to amend the welfare-reform legislation with a provision requiring that states provide in such instances special vouchers which could only be used for the purchase of necessities for children. This procedure would not have been subject to abuse ...'' Should be priority in 1997.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``We should not have to take care of those who refuse to take care of themselves. For those who cannot find work, we will provide work. We will have a safety net. Welfare reform is designed to improve children's economic circumstances, not harm them.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``This issue is for the parents and localities, not Congress. Using the excuse of `caring for the people,' Congress has robbed the public treasury and future generations and created a welfare mentality that must be stopped.''
5.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS
``What will you do to help communities continue their efforts against juvenile crime, substance abuse and teen pregnancy?
Katie Zawacki, Roanoke
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``We can cut down on substance abuse by combining tough sentences with proven education and prevention programs.'' As for teen pregnancy, ``this problem is too important to just leave to government. We must have a cooperative effort that involves families, churches, business, government and non-profits.''
John Warner (R)
Says mandatory public work projects will deter juvenile crime. Urges focus on ``drug abuse among children, which has skyrocketed under the administration's indifference. Unmarried teen-age mothers, to qualify for welfare, should be required to stay in school.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I am very much in favor of fostering new public-private partnerships at the local level in which churches, community groups, and civic and business leaders come together to work with government to address these problems in ways that are specific to the needs of their community.''
George Landrith (R)
``Since Clinton took office, teen drug use has doubled. Tragically, Clinton joked about using drugs on MTV. We must speak clearly to youth and set a good example - drugs ruin lives, intimate sexual relations should wait until marriage, and crime and violence are wrong.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Key steps include trying violent juveniles as adults, focusing on community oriented crime and drug prevention programs and promoting abstinence-based sex education in our schools. In the end, the key is nurturing, loving, committed parents making a difference with their own children on a day-to-day basis.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``We as a government should support community centers that provide organized and supervised activities for our young people. Our communities and parents must also bear a responsibility, Our children need good role models to follow, not just a sports superstar but people from our communities.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``As a federal office holder I will vote to repeal federal mandates on communities. These are issues for state and local government. Incidentally, since my mother was a teen-ager when I was born, I am partial to the good possibilities in a teen pregnancy.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Any successful program must have both law enforcement and education components.'' Supports block grants for law enforcement. Backs federal funding of DARE drug education programs. ``A strengthening of families will be required to reduce out-of-wedlock births by teen-agers.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``The destruction of the American family has created these problems, and no government program is going to solve them until the family is restored. The proper arena to fight these battles is at the local levels by local government, churches and other community groups.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``The best thing Congress can do to assist localities is to leave them alone. I advocated the elimination of all federal unfunded mandates on states and localities. Juvenile crime, substance abuse and teen pregnancy are local issues.''
6.
RAIL TRAVEL
``I would like to ask what their thoughts are for rail passenger transportation in Southwest Virginia.''
W.J. Carter, Roanoke
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``We should fully explore efforts to improve I-81, build I-73/74, and resume passenger rail service in Southwest Virginia. The Commonwealth Transportation Board has just approved a study to look at the relationship between proposed passenger rail and Norfolk Southern's existing freight business.''
John Warner (R)
``Throughout my tenure in the Senate, I have been a strong supporter of passenger rail service for our rural communities, and in particular expansion of Amtrak service through Southwest Virginia.'' However, ``Congress must restore Amtrak's financial position'' and that means routes must match ``strong ridership.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Serving on the Transportation Committee in the State Senate, I've been a strong supporter of our railroads and supported state funding to study the feasibility of passenger service in Southwest Virginia. I would like to see it return.''
George Landrith (R)
``Rail transportation is part of the necessary infrastructure that will promote good paying jobs and opportunity and make travel accessible and convenient for all citizens. In addition to good roads, highways, and airports, we must have viable rail transportation.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``I've long been a strong supporter of bringing economically efficient passenger rail service to Southwest Virginia. I have pushed this idea in meetings with Amtrak officials and am continuing to explore ways to make expanded rail service happen.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Railway passenger transportation could be a consideration in Southwest Virginia if it could be proven to have a substantial interest and could be marketable.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I like passenger rail transportation. I like trains. I will not spend one penny of public money on them, however. Libertarians oppose corporate welfare as well as economic development by government which, as I remember it, was the communist idea.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Three years ago, I obtained the agreement of Amtrak to participate with the state in conducting a feasibility study for such a service, and I will continue to urge the participation of Amtrak in a joint venture with the state for the provision of that service.'' Notes all new passenger projects have involved ``significant'' state funding.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``The federal government has spent nearly $100 billion on mass transit over the past 30 years, and ridership is lower today than before Washington began this investment. We should not burden the citizens of Southwestern Virginia with the cost of subsidizing a rail system that will benefit only a few.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I favor the concept of rail passenger transportation in Southwest Virginia but would adamantly oppose any and all federal expenditure on such a project until such time as the federal government is no longer spending yearly more than it takes in [i.e., deficit spending].''
7.
DEBT
"What will you do to reduce the national debt (not the deficit)?"
C. Ray Wells, Moneta
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``The only way to reduce the national debt is to eliminate our annual deficits and to begin running surpluses to pay the debt off. That's why I support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.''
John Warner (R)
``The first priority of Congress must be to balance the budget. Only then can we start reducing the national debt. Republicans in Congress passed a balanced budget in 1995 and the president vetoed it. Congress must continue to muster the will until the job is done.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``First, I'm glad that the deficit has been reduced in the last few years. As we reduce the deficit further, we will be adding less and less to the debt. When we balance the budget, paying off bonds will ultimately reduce the debt.''
George Landrith (R)
``To eliminate the $5 trillion national debt, government must stop spending so much and begin repaying the debt. I support the balanced budget amendment and the line item veto, but not increasing your taxes. The debt exists because government spends too much - not because you pay too little taxes.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``I've voted for legislation which first balances the budget and then requires the federal government to spend 1 percent less than it takes in revenues each year, applying the difference to pay off the national debt in about 30 years, depending on economic conditions.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Job creation and economic growth that puts Americans back to work in high skill, high pay jobs will not only help family economics but will also increase consumer spending and add to our nation's tax base. A responsible government that cuts waste, fraud and abuse from government programs will all help reduce the national debt.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I support Libertarian presidential candidate Harry Browne's proposal to sell and lease federal assets to eliminate debt just as an over-extended individual or business has to do. Will you give up your favorite federal program to eliminate the debt?''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``If the annual budget deficit is eliminated, the national debt would be retired within a 30-year period. Therefore, the key to retiring the debt is to eliminate the annual budget deficit. We have reduced the deficit by more than 50 percent from the 1993 level of $290 billion to the projected 1996 of $117 billion.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``First, we need to balance the budget. After the budget is balanced, our continued focus should be on limiting the role of the federal government.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``It took us over 200 years to accumulate a national debt of $1,000,000,000,000, and in the last 14 years it's grown to $5,000,000,000,000. I advocate first stemming all increases in spending and adding a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.''
LENGTH: Long : 463 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) M. Warner, J. Warner, Goode, Landrith,by CNBGoodlatte, Grey, Rutledge, Boucher, Muldoon, Roberts. KEYWORDS: 2DA POLITICS CONGRESS