ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9609300002
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
D - Democrat
R - Republican
L - Libertarian
VIP - Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
DEFINING THE PROBLEM
How do you see the problem? What's causing it?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Due to the technology revolution and increased global competition, the jobs we are creating require advanced skills. If all of our citizens aren't equipped with the tools of technology, we run the risk of becoming a society segregated'' by skills.
John Warner (R)
``Today, more than 40 percent of the average worker's income is consumed by local, state, and federal taxes. We can achieve a balanced budget, clearing the way to begin reducing the national debt and providing taxpayers long deserved relief.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
Despite recruiting by governments, ``we still see too many jobs going overseas or south of the border. We need to keep those jobs here and create new, good-paying jobs that will provide opportunities for our children.''
George Landrith (R)
``The economy is sluggish. Good paying jobs are scarce. Manufacturing jobs are going overseas. Foolish, counterproductive government policies create these problems.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
(800) WOOD-CAN
``Most of us have less disposable income compared to what we had even just a few years ago. Only 17 percent of our work force is in manufacturing now, far lower than ever in history. These goods are still being manufactured, but elsewhere, for low wages.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Too many families - often both husbands and wives - are having to work harder and longer in a attempt just to make ends meet. A key reason for this problem is that taxes are higher than ever before - and continue to shrink take-home pay.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Job security is one of the top concerns of the people that I have talked to. Corporate welfare and tax incentives that encourage our companies to leave the United States are creating an unstable economy.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Many Americans are working harder than ever, but falling further behind. The managed economy is planning them into poverty. While big government's tax burden is taking one half of their wages, lobbyists are rigging the game against them.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The challenges for our region'' are attracting new employers and expanding small businesses. ``Unemployment has traditionally been higher in this region than elsewhere in Virginia.'' Blames mountainous terrain, lack of infrastructure, and marketing.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``American businesses are heavily burdened with taxes and regulations preventing them from prospering and resulting in closings, layoffs, and relocation abroad.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``The number of government workers is growing faster than factory workers to the point that there are now more government workers now than factory workers.''
What is its primary effect? What other things does it affect?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Job security, crime and families under stress all result from this economic change. That's why we can't abandon efforts like unemployment aid and vocational training to help people through this transition.''
John Warner (R)
``If American workers and companies are equipped to compete in the global economy, if government encourages rather than stifles innovation, and if our tax code is [re-structured] then Virginians will attain increased economic security.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Probably the most troubling effect is that some persons have to leave our area - where they grew up and want to stay - to find good jobs to their liking. We must keep good businesses and industries so that our quality of life is not diminished.''
George Landrith (R)
``Stifling taxation, burdensome regulation, and frivolous lawsuits all harm productivity, reduce wages and benefits.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``The result of our growing trade deficit is an ever-lessening tax base and a steadily weakening consumer capability, creating large stress on our social services with less revenue to pay for them.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``The average family works until July 3 just to pay all their taxes and other costs - like the increased cost of goods and services - because of government regulation. Government red tape also adds untold hours of nonproductive work for existing employees, keeps wages down, and stops the creation of many new, quality jobs.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``This instability affects family economics but also interferes with achieving a balanced budget that meets the needs of our citizens. Many of these corporations are exploiting the workers and their lands.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Lobbyists influence regulation to restrict competition. Thus the politically regulated economy is forcing professions and industries which are unprotected by law into loser status. They bear the full brunt of the economic storms from technology and imports.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The absence of adequate numbers of jobs in our region has resulted in many young people who would prefer to remain in Southwest Virginia seeking their fortunes elsewhere. Another unfortunate effect'' is that many work jobs ``for which they are overqualified.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Due to high taxes and stifling regulations, Americans are losing jobs. In turn, America suffers from higher crime rates and lower standards of living.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``The primary effect is that with less producers of goods to export but a growing number of consumers we have a rapidly growing international trade deficit. The trade deficit causes a fading value of the U.S. dollar.''
How does this affect you personally?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I've seen how my business has changed over the last 10 years. Our educational requirements for our employees - even at entry level - continue to rise. I fear that unless we do a better job educating and training our kids good jobs will continue to migrate.''
John Warner (R)
``Like any other citizen, I am affected by increasing prices, rising interest rates and higher taxes. In addition, I hear from hundreds of Virginians on these issues, and I carry their concerns with me as I address our nation's priorities.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``My daughter is a senior in high school this year. After she's finished with school, I want her to have the option of being able to stay in our area if she wants to do so and have the same kinds of opportunities that our parents provided to us.''
George Landrith (R)
Did not address.
Tex Wood (VIP)
Did not address.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``The continuing budget deficit keeps interest rates artificially high which makes it more expensive for families to borrow money for homes, cars, student loans, or major household appliances.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``These irresponsible actions have brought a sense of insecurity to me and other workers.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Government favoritism to some occupations and to some sectors of the economy and political regulation of the economy to limit the supply of competition offend my sense of justice.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The economic challenge of our region has affected me profoundly.'' That's why ran for Congress. ``I am pleased to report that as a result of our efforts, Southwest Virginia is now creating new jobs at a pace which well exceeds the state average.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
Family is ``finding it harder to make ends meet as more of our hard-earned dollars are plucked from our wallets and sent to Washington.'' Also, ``my community suffers when local family-owned businesses are forced out by super chains.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``The way this affects me personally is that I see more and more people working longer hours but earning less. My fear is that this trend will be hard to slow and reverse and that my son will have it worse than this generation.''
TAKING ACTION
What actions should be taken?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``We should be building up our public education system, not cutting back. I support tax deductions [for] college and vocational training. We should fully fund Head Start. And every classroom should be equipped with computers and teachers who know how to use them.''
John Warner (R)
Need better education and training. Also, ``we need policies which put the nation on the path to a balanced budget, that encourage rather than stifle innovation, and structure our tax code to reward work, savings and investment.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``We must have good schools, a good transportation system and a climate that encourages businesses to locate in this areal.'' Backs Interstate 73. ``That is why I worked to reduce class sizes In K-3,'' and strengthen community colleges.
George Landrith (R)
Favors lowers taxes, regulatory reform, restricting ``frivolous'' lawsuits, a balanced budget and enforcing trade agreements.
Tex Wood (VIP)
Revise NAFTA and GATT. ``The utterly unbridled operations of the non-competing multinational corporations need to be bridled. We need a modern day trust-busting Theodore Roosevelt to protect our corporations and small businesses.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``We need to bring real tax relief to families. That means bringing common sense to our tax code and reigning in the IRS, cutting taxes on families, a $500 per child tax credit, homemaker IRAs, and a cut in the capital gains tax.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Corporate welfare programs should be reformed. We should pass legislation that would require U.S. Companies operating abroad to operate under the same human rights and environmental laws that are observed in this country.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Americans must reject the politically regulated economy and restore the self-regulating free market economy which made the nation wealthy. Congress must repeal the interest-group-enabling income tax and close agencies which are not constitutionally authorized.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
When first elected, less than one-third of district's localities had suitable industrial parks. ``Today, as a result of the federal funds I have obtained,'' 22 of 23 do. ``Continuing to obtain the federal funds to build new industrial parks ... must remain a priority.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``By reducing the taxes and regulations that punish the small business owners, we can reverse this downward trend and get the economy of Southwest Virginia moving again.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``We need to get most of the people now receiving a government paychecks moved into the production sector of our economy. Government needs to be drastically reduced.''
What's standing in the way of these actions?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Our politicians don't understand how dramatically and rapidly the economy is changing. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I often don't even hear our elected officials asking the right questions.''
John Warner (R)
``We are making progress in all these areas. However, special interests which see advantage in opposing change or promoting their objectives are the biggest obstacles.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Some people aren't willing to recognize that you have to invest for the future.''
George Landrith (R)
Did not address.
Tex Wood (VIP)
Did not address.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Job killing government red tape and bureaucracy must be cut.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Corporations will oppose this legislation, but I will fight hard for it. It is wrong to exploit workers and their land in this country and abroad.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Either personal or altruistic (for other's benefit) self-interest justifies the coercion of special interest legislation and the income tax. Naturally, no American is willing to give up their benefit from big government while another American is still receiving any.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The major impediment to our progress is the extreme position taken by Speaker Gingrich and the existing leadership which has urged the elimination of the federal role in economic development,'' such as Appalachian Regional Commission.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Unfortunately, the career politicians, with their six figure salaries and generous pensions, have forgotten about the hard-working farmers, factory workers, miners, teachers, policemen and small business-owners in Southwest Virginia.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``It will be hard to reduce government since the bureaucracy has become so entrenched. Ideally it should be done in less than few years, but I fear it will take much longer and we will suffer the consequences as a result.''
WHO SHOULD DO WHAT?
What can a member of Congress do?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``A senator can help set national priorities. By 2000, 60 percent of our jobs will require computers and technical skills, yet only 25 percent of the workforce will have those skills. We need to address that problem by improving education and revamping our worker training programs.''
John Warner (R)
``A senator can give voice to the sentiments of his or her constituency by supporting and advocating the policies they support. Fundamentally, a senator must be willing to cast his or her votes for sound economic policies which provide the foundation for increased economic security.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Members of Congress can help by fighting to balance the budget, improving our transportation system by pushing for the construction of Interstate 73, stressing the importance of education and working to reduce bureacracy and red tape.''
George Landrith (R)
``I will work to create a vibrant business environment in which good paying jobs flourish through lower taxes, regulatory reform, frivolous lawsuit reform, a balanced budget and enforcing our trade agreements.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Where effective action in Washington is needed, I'll provide such or get such.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
Backs balanced budget. ``Bringing Interstate 73 to the Valley is a key step. As your Congressman I've worked hard to recruit jobs to the Roanoke Valley - playing a part in bringing Hanover Direct, Dynax, and A. O. Smith to our area.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Our members of Congress have the responsibility to represent the needs of their voters.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``A Libertarian elected to Congress will be national news. By electing a Libertarian, Virginians [in the] Sixth District can lead the nation away from the stagnation, injustice, demoralization, and insolvency of the politically regulated economy.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``In addition to attracting the federal funds which have built industrial parks, my [program to promote region] to national companies and federal agencies, has attracted more than $150 million in new investment.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``I will work to reduce the tax and regulatory burden so that our small businesses and domestic industries can use the money they are not forced to send to Washington to hire more employees, pay higher wages, and offer greater benefits.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Congress should make the hard choices by cutting back the federal government and making realistic evaluations of the sustainability of the many government program commitments then adjust as needed regardless of the politics.''
What can citizens do?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Without a doubt, the citizens understand this issue better than the politicians. When I'm out campaigning, I hear stories about jobs disappearing overseas and people being caught by downsizing. I believe that voters must make sure the politicians address these difficult times.''
John Warner (R)
``Citizens must continue to be involved and make their views heard. I commend those who do so by calling, writing and visiting my office. Virginians should take advantage of all opportunities to sharpen their skills so that they can be better equipped
compete in the global market.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Citizens can work together in partnership with businesses, community groups, churches and schools to work with existing and new community-based efforts to address the requirements of the changing economy.''
George Landrith (R)
Cutting taxes and other congressional actions ``will unleash the entrepreneurial spirit which is being crushed by big government.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
Did not address.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Parents play a vital role in helping our future economy by instilling in their children a strong work ethic, integrity and a desire to live the American dream.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``The citizens should hold their representative accountable for their actions.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Citizens must answer these questions: 'Would you demand money from your neighbors or coerce them to gain advantage? Is it moral to have government do it for you? Are you willing to give up your favorite federal program if everyone else does too?'''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Business leaders in our region have formed presentation teams who make a convincing case to visiting industry. Citizens also serve on the boards of our regional marketing organizations and donate a large amount of volunteer time to their activities.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``By voting for candidates who share their views and understand the struggles of raising a family, working the land, and running a business, citizens can shake the hold that the government has on our lives and our wallets.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Get informed, be vocal, be active! If you want to know who is responsible for the condition of our country, look In the mirror. They is us.''
What other public institutions should be involved and how?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
Businesses and civic groups must work with schools. ``Students should learn subjects ranging from technology assistance to vocational education as early as middle school.'' Improving education must be community problem, ``even if our own children are succeeding.''
John Warner (R)
``State and local governments must seize every opportunity to attract new and better jobs to Virginia and to promote tourism.'' Also, state and local governments must provide job training, education at all levels.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Our schools, community colleges, colleges and universities together with community and civic organizations can all come together in partnershps to make certain we have the kinds of training and opportunities that mean there is a good business climate.''
George Landrith (R)
Did not address.
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Businesses who are being forced to move manufacturing out of the country can identify the reasons for their having to do so. Leaders of financial institutions [and other experts] can help define precisely what are our assets and how we can take fullest advantage of them.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Our schools help the economy - especially strong writing, math, computer and science skills.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Public institutions should do a thorough job of keeping the citizens informed.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Everybody knows that if we keep on doing what we've been doing, we will keep on getting what we've been getting. Churches should speak against the interest-group-enabling income tax and for the beliefs and values in the Declaration of Independence.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``More than 170 area residents are serving as volunteer members of my Commission on the Future of Southwest Virginia which is constructing a long-term growth strategy for our region.'' Colleges are offering job training and other services.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Community and civic groups ... are working hard to revitalize the economy of Southwest Virginia. Our local school boards and teachers are striving to improve the quality of education to produce a highly skilled workforce.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Our news media needs to get more involved by carefully informing the public about federal debt, the deficit, unfunded pensions, unfunded guaranteed and Medicare and Social Security pyramid schemes.''
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