THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 19, 1994 TAG: 9411190428
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CAMDEN LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
U.S. Rep.-elect Walter B. Jones Jr. says that while he supports the concept of a flat-rate income tax, he will wait to make a final judgment on the proposal until legislation is introduced.
``I have not had a chance to read . . . the bill, and until I do, I can't say that I support the legislation. But the people I talk to in the district seem to be in favor of a flat tax. You'll see a bill fairly early in the next Congress.''
Rep. Bill Archer, a Texas Republican, introduced a bill earlier this year calling for a 17 percent income tax rate for everyone. A similar bill is expected after the new Congress takes power in January, but Jones said the bill's future is uncertain and he's not sure he can support it until he reads all the provisions.
Jones, a Republican who last week defeated incumbent Democrat Martin Lancaster in North Carolina's 3rd District race, spoke Thursday night at a fund-raiser at the Camden County Shrine Club.
Asked about possible committee assignments, Jones said he has requested a spot on the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. He is also seeking a spot on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Subcommittee.
Jones' father, the late Walter B. Jones Sr., served on the Agriculture Committee and was chairman of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries subcommittee.
Agriculture and Armed Services are considered critical appointments for northeastern North Carolina. The 3rd District is the nation's largest tobacco producer, and the Base Realignment and Closure Commission that's scheduled to reconvene next year could take another look at the area's military installations, such as Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point Naval Air Station.
Jones is reviewing approximately 300 applications for positions on his staff. He said he has narrowed the list of candidates for his chief of staff to two, but would not reveal the names of the contenders.
However, Jones has hired former newspaper reporter Mike McClanahan as his director of communications. McClanahan also will work with veterans' issues. Jones also said he will establish an office in Northeastern North Carolina to deal with constituent problems.
Jones was in Washington on Tuesday to meet with GOP newcomers to Capitol Hill. He said he is encouraged about the new Republican leadership. The GOP controls the House for the first time since the Eisenhower administration, and the Senate for the first time since 1986.
``I'm excited about the leadership,'' he said. ``As a small businessman, I've been out talking to a lot of people, and I see a new enthusiasm, a new hope and a smile on the faces of people that I haven't seen in a long time.''
Jones told a near-capacity audience at the $10-a-plate dinner that he will work for passage of a balanced budget amendment, the line-item veto and to restore prayer in schools.
Jones also promised to work for a stronger national defense.
``I've talked to our military personnel from colonels to enlisted men and women, and they all say we're in bad shape,'' he said. ``Our service men and women don't have the support they need.''
Jones pledged that he will be dedicated to constituent service.
``I'm going to work as hard as I can to be the best congressman I can be,'' he said. ``My commitment comes from my father's commitment. I am in Washington to serve you. The reason a lot of people are coming home from Washington on Jan. 3 is because they forgot that.''
Jones will take office Jan. 3. by CNB