THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511030018
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Tuesday's General Assembly election may turn out to be a watershed event. It could shift the legislative balance of power from Democrats to Republicans for the first time in modern times. Partisans on each side argue, therefore, for a straight party vote.
We understand the sentiment, but disagree. In deciding which candidates to endorse, The Virginian-Pilot has chosen to focus on the individual, not the party label. We have seen no reason, for instance, to reject incumbents if they have a solid record of service to Hampton Roads.
Virginians have traditionally insisted on a fiscally responsible state government that won't make promises it can't pay for. That's a tradition worth preserving. But within that context, The Virginian-Pilot believes our top priorities have got to be education, economic development and crime prevention. We've favored candidates who share those views.
We have not chosen to endorse candidates in every race. We have made choices where the contests have been hard-fought, where there are significant differences in experience or views between the contenders and where one candidate seems clearly superior. Here are our choices for the Virginia Senate.
6th: Stanley Walker has served long and well in the Senate to advance the fortunes of Hampton Roads. He is a man of self-effacing demeanor, shrewd judgment and unquestioned integrity. Arguments to replace him are unpersuasive.
7th: Clancy Holland is a strong proponent of increased support for higher education and favors affordable tuition to keep college available to as many qualified Virginians as possible. He'd invest money to reduce class size in elementary school. He'd leave the choice of imposing a BPOL tax to localities, but believes a phased-in increase in the personal exemption is overdue.
Holland also favors increasing regional cooperation as regards water, ports, transportation, law and order and fire protection. His wealth of experience, including stints as Virginia Beach mayor and councilman, as well as the unusual perspective of a physician, make Holland a valuable resource in Richmond.
8th: Ken Stolle is unopposed in his district for good reason. He is an admirable legislator who has served his constituents well. He's capable of being partisan without being petty. A trusted adviser to Governor Allen, he's nevertheless shown a willingness to work in a bipartisan manner for the good of the region.
13th: Fred Quayle won his seat in 1991 and has accomplished a lot in the past four years. He's helped protect Chesapeake Bay, crack down on deadbeat parents and win more funding for firefighters. He's been sensitive to family issues and has also won kudos for promoting economic development. Several of the initiatives he's proud of were advanced because he's listened carefully to his constituents' concerns.
Quayle's opponent - Johnny Joannou - is also a seasoned legislator with a record of accomplishment who's trying to return to the General Assembly. Against a weaker candidate, Joannou could have won our support, but Quayle has performed well and deserves to retain his seat.
15th: Richard Holland is a banker and he approaches state government with a balance-sheet mentality. If the numbers don't compute, he won't vote for lower taxes or increased services. If revenues permit, Holland favors reducing K-3 class size and providing infrastructure needed for economic growth. The party label may be Democrat, but he's a fiscal conservative who will watch the state budget like a hawk. He's pro-business without favoring extravagant giveaways. He's tough and experienced and has earned another term.
Tomorrow: the House races.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA STATE SENATE RACE ENDORSEMENT by CNB