ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, October 19, 1996 TAG: 9610210040
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: BRIEFLY PUT . . .
* IF DEL. Clifton ``Chip'' Woodrum, D-Roanoke, seems more at the center of statewide issues with every passing year, it's because he is. Most recently, without fanfare, he assumed chairmanship of the State Crime Commission. It covers the waterfront on crime and corrections, studying developments and making recommendations to the General Assembly. Woodrum is the first lawmaker from Southwest Virginia to head this standing commission.
The commission has a full plate this year. Among other things, it will be monitoring the effects of stricter sentencing laws and parole reforms installed by the Allen administration. It also will be trying to get a grip on the administration's inmate projections, which at times have been confusing and confused. The numbers matter, in part because they affect how much Virginia taxpayers must invest in construction, maintenance and staffing of prisons. In going about this work, the state is fortunate to have Woodrum, an effective lawmaker, leading the crime commission.
* ONLY 67 shopping days left until Christmas. Have you consulted your catalogue from Texas-based Neiman Marcus, that upscale emporium for conspicuous consumption? Among this year's special offerings:
-- A fish condominium for ``upwardly mobile guppies.'' $5,000.
-- A Japanese playhouse with sliding screens, tea table. $10,000.
-- Eighteen-karat gold-and-enamel ``rock star'' sunglasses. $15,000.
-- An XK8 Jaguar, one of 50 limited edition versions. $74,975.
Oh, on that Jaguar, better hurry. The department store says firmly: Only two per customer.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB