THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9610010408
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A11 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: At Issue: Economic Life
Decision 96
LENGTH: 582 lines
Mark R. Warner
John W. Warner
John F. Tate
Owen B. Pickett
Elsie Goodwyn Holland
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott
Norman Sisisky
Anthony J. Zevgolis
GRAPHIC
How Do You See The Economy Problem?
MARK WARNER
What is the nature of the problem? What is the cause?
Our economy is changing. Due to the technology revolution and
increased global competition, the jobs we are creating require
advanced skills - more brains than brawn. I fear that if all of our
citizens aren't equipped with the tools of technology, we run the
risk of becoming a society segregated on the basis of those who have
access to technology and those who do not.
To what other things is it linked?
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. And we must renew our willingness as a society to be
compassionate to those who are displaced by this economic shift.
How does it affect you, personally?
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.
What actions should be considered?
We should be building up our public education system - not
cutting back. I support tax deductions to make college and
vocational training more affordable. I believe we should fully fund
Head Start to get our children ready for school. And I believe that
every classroom should be equipped with computers and with teachers
who know how to use them.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
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.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
I firmly believe this change is coming and we need to plan for
it. I am always willing to embrace new ideas about how to deal with
the coming technology revolution, but make no mistake about it -
this change is coming and we've got to be prepared.
What can a senator or congressman do?
A senator can help set national priorities. For example, by the
year 2000, 60 percent of our jobs will require computers and
technical skills, yet only 25 percent of the work force will have
those skills. We need to address that problem now by improving
education and revamping our worker training programs.
What can citizens do?
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.
Virginia's voters know that change is coming. I believe that voters
must make sure the politicians address these difficult times.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than government do?
Government can't do it alone. Businesses and community groups
must partner with our schools to enhance the subject matter we are
teaching our students. Students should learn subjects ranging from
technology assistance to vocational education as early as middle
school. Unless we view this as a community problem and take action
as a community - even if our own children are succeeding - then we
will leave too many Virginians behind.
JOHN W. WARNER
What is the nature of the problem? What is the cause?
Too many people are working harder, but enjoying the fruits of
their labors less. Today, more than 40 percent of the average
worker's income is consumed by local, state and federal taxes. This
burden must be reduced. Nonetheless, I am very optimistic about the
future of Virginia and the nation. We can achieve a balanced budget,
clearing the way to begin reducing the national debt and providing
taxpayers (with) long-deserved relief.
To what others things is it linked?
Economic security depends on a growing economy. 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 structured to reward work, savings and investment, then
Virginians will attain increased economic security.
How does it affect you personally?
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.
What actions should be considered?
We need to provide enhanced education and training opportunities
to prepare today's students to compete successfully in the global
marketplace. We need to continue our efforts to bring new,
good-paying jobs to Virginia. We need to make, enact and promote
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.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
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.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
I am always willing to listen to well-reasoned recommendations.
However, I firmly believe that we are on the right track. It is
difficult to argue with common sense policies and goals supported by
a broad majority of Virginians.
What can a senator or congressman do?
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.
What can citizens do?
Citizens must continue to be involved and make their views heard.
I commend those who do so by calling, writing and visiting my
office, as well as those who participate in the elective process.
Virginians should take advantage of all opportunities to sharpen
their skills so that they can be better equipped to compete in the
global market.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than government do?
Under the outstanding leadership of Gov. George Allen, Virginia
is ``open for business again.'' State and local governments must
seize every opportunity to attract new and better jobs to Virginia
and to promote tourism. These efforts will improve the economic
security of all Virginians. In addition, state and local governments
are key players in the education of our children and fellow
citizens. They must continue to provide job training and educational
opportunities at all levels.
JOHN F. TATE
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
For the last 50 years, Washington liberals have relentlessly cut
defense spending and raised taxes to pay for ever expanding social
welfare programs and wealth redistribution schemes. Thus the capital
investment and wage increases needed for a strong, expanding economy
have instead been directed into taxes, ultimately threatening our
economy.
To what other things is it linked?
The fiscal irresponsibility of liberals like Bill Clinton and
Owen Pickett knows no bounds. Pickett voted against the balanced
budget amendment, against requiring a 3/5 majority to raise taxes,
for more social welfare spending and against the $500-per-child tax
credit to give families much needed tax relief.
How does it affect your personally?
As a husband and father, I understand the difficulties of having
so little left for my family's needs after getting hit with tax
after tax. As an employer of over 300 people, I know how hard it is
for a business to make payroll while complying with endless federal
regulations.
What actions should be considered?
We must fully fund our national defense, which is as crucial to
our security in a still-dangerous world as it is to our local
economy. We must also cut taxes across he board and subject all
federal regulations to a cost-benefit analysis, eliminating those
which do more harm than good.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
President Clinton and Congressmen like Owen Pickett believe they
can spend our money and run our businesses better than we can. They
would rather cut funding from our national security needs, and fund
programs like ``Americorps,'' where so-called ``volunteers'' are
paid $30,000 per year and more to perform ``community service.''
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
There can be no sound reason to move away from proven economic
principles. Worldwide, from the old Soviet Union to India to Western
Europe, high taxes and big government have led to weak economies and
national decline. In contrast, lower taxes and fewer regulations and
more individual freedom breed prosperity.
What can a senator or congressman do?
As a congressman, I will fight to fully fund our national
defense, support an across-the-board tax cut, subject all
regulations to rigorous cost-benefit analysis and vote for the
balanced budget amendment and to require a 3/5 majority to raise
taxes.
What can citizens do?
Citizens can replace their out-of-touch leaders in Washington
with conservative, fiscally responsible individuals who understand
what it takes to raise a family and make a payroll, and who will
vote for policies that help our economy rather than hinder it.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than government do?
States and local governments must also cut taxes and regulations.
In addition, states must demand that the federal government get out
of their businesses, as George Allen has done here in Virginia.
States and localities know best how to deal with statewide local
needs. If we cut taxes, the private sector can and will flourish,
providing more and better jobs at better wages. History has shown
that when free enterprise is un-encumbered by excessive taxes and
regulations, jobs are created and economies grow.
OWEN B. PICKETT
What's the nature of the problem? What is the cause?
In the last five years about a million people in uniform and
civilian positions have been dislocated, excluding jobs in the
defense industry affected in the change. That's a sizable number
even in an economy like ours. In addition, U.S. industry has
aggressively streamlined operations, eliminated entire levels of
management, and taken maximum advantage of computers and telefax
machines. But the level of unemployment has declined, indicating the
economy is creating additional jobs.
To what other things is it linked?
There is a fundamental economic principle at play here: In a
competitive world, workers will be compensated on their ability to
perform in the world market place. Education is directly related to
the ability and capacity of the work force. The better educated, the
better they can perform and the higher level of compensation they
can expect.
How does it affect you personally?
I could cite numerous cases of people who were in middle
management envisioned their careers being spent with one company.
After working there for 15 years and before they could accumulate
enough for retirement, their job was abolished. Historically, when
we lost jobs, they came back. In recent recessions, we've seen jobs
go away forever.
What actions should be considered?
Government does not create jobs. What it may be able to do is
create an environment where new jobs can be created and people feel
more optimistic about the future with people more willing to invest
in work or create new opportunities. It's the private sector that
generates jobs.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
We're not in the situation we were in in the 1930s, when we had
programs like the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian
Conservation Corps. What we need is less government at all levels,
where unnecessary burdens make it difficult for small companies to
comply with regulatory burdens and remain profitable, firms with 10
or fewer workers.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
A good example is the telecommunications bill. This is not a
perfect piece of legislation, but its thrust is to unfetter this
market, to open the way for competitors to create additional jobs.
What can a senator or congressman do?
Support constructive legislation that tends to support and open
up avenues for expansion and development of an industry with
potential - pharmaceuticals, for example. We should take a hard look
at how we handle them and what the government's role is on the
development, marketing, distribution and sale of pharmaceuticals.
What can citizens do?
The people have a huge repository of ideas and experience that
should be brought to the attention of both government and the
commercial side to improve the way we do business. I hear from
individuals and company representatives that provide information on
aspects of the programs that don't seem to be working.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than government do?
Depending on the issue, local governments frequently have as much
impact on business expansion and development as the federal
government. They need to communicate their ideas to the federal
government to ensure a coordination of effort and cooperation in
supporting industries. Colleges, think tanks and non-profit
organizations that conduct research can be invaluable in providing a
steady stream of thoughtful analysis that can be used by
policy-makers.
ELSIE GOODWYN HOLLAND
What is the nature of the problem? What is the cause?
The education system is failing some students. They're graduating
and they aren't prepared. Diplomas should be issued more
selectively. Jobs are there, but they can only be provided to those
who are equipped. Small businesses put people to work, but recently
strict regulations have prevented them from being able to hire
folks. They're strangled with guidelines and regulations that say
``fill out this form'' and ``pay the minimum wage.'' Basically,
everything that comes out of Washington stifles growth of small
businesses.
To what other things is it linked?
Many people are looking for jobs, but for many the incentive has
been taken away. They know if they don't work, they'll still be
provided for. We have to give them a reason to want to work.
How does it affect you, personally?
It does not affect me or my family personally. I come from a
background that taught us we had to work, and we took pride in
working.
What actions should be considered?
We need to provide jobs to people. Refrain from taxing so much.
Don't be so hard on business people. In order to provide for the
unemployed, we have to have someone working and making a tax dollar.
Every word out of elected officials' mouths these days is, ``Sock it
to the rich!'' but they provide the jobs. The poor can't provide all
the work for the poor. I also don't see why we should penalize folks
who have in some way become rich.
What's standing in the way of these action?
A desire to give, give, give and provide, provide, provide and to
deny the opportunity to people to try and do for themselves. It's
overprotection. ``I'll give it to you,'' ``I'll right you a check,''
instead of making you desire it on your own. If you really, really
need help, government ought to be there to back you up.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
Somebody who can convince me another way is better and show me
some evidence that it is a better approach.
What can a senator or congressman do?
Initiate legislation that would cause our people to take more
responsibility for themselves.
What can citizens do?
They can take the responsibility. They can elect officials who
will carefully study the issues to see the best way, and then
initiate or sponsor legislation that would bring reform and change.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than government do?
State and local governments need to be left the privilege of
determining their own destiny and slugging out the issues among
themselves. They can study the issues and offer ways to bring about
a stronger economy.
ROBERT C. "BOBBY" SCOTT
What is the nature of the problem? What is the cause?
Inflation is causing higher prices. And for last few years there
has been the problem of wages not keeping up with inflation for low
and middle income Americans. The high income jobs have more than
kept up with inflation, but there's a lack of jobs in the
traditional manufacturing and non-technical areas.
To what other things is it linked?
Education is a major factor. The jobs that require significant
education are the jobs that are paying extremely well. Those that
require little education are the ones where wages are stagnant or
even dropping.
How does it affect you, personally?
Higher prices and stagnant wages effect the quality of life in
the community. And to the extent we have high unemployment and
frustration, society suffers higher crime and welfare costs.
What actions should be considered?
In 1993, when the federal budget was out of control, President
Clinton proposed a budget that significantly reduced the deficit,
controlled inflation, reduced interest rates and increased the
number of jobs. We should continue reducing the deficit year by year
until the budget is balanced. President Clinton has done that for
four years in a row, the first to do that since the Civil War.
What's standing in the way of these action?
Pandering to political popularity. Bob Dole's idea of passing out
tax cuts to everybody suggests that you can have tax cuts and
balance the budget without significant cuts in Medicare, Medicaid
and Social Security. I think the public has caught on to that
foolishness.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
Our approach is to balance the budget by reducing the deficit
year after year. A result of the Clinton plan has been reduced
inflation, reduced interest rates and increased jobs. Unless there
is a significant change in our economic direction, I think we should
continue on the path we're going.
What can a senator or congressman do?
Congressmen can support constructive initiatives to reduce the
deficit and support educational opportunities so that citizens can
qualify for the best paying jobs. A congressman can stand up to the
Republican budget cuts in education and cuts in student assistance
to make sure we have the best educated population possible.
What can citizens do?
Citizens can support educational initiatives like school-to-work,
transitional funding and Goals 2000 that will help us plan for the
next century. And they can support the candidates that oppose budget
cuts in education.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than government do?
The first thing the state government can do is apply for the
Goals 2000 money, which can help plan our educational strategy
through the year 2000. We could also put as many of our resources
into education and economic development as possible. Virginia has a
tradition of been a fiscally responsible state, and we need to
continue that tradition.
NORMAN SISISKY
What's the nature of the problem? What is the cause?
Even though inflation and unemployment are low, and the economy
seems to be growing and healthy, a lot of people don't know what to
expect seven years from now. Everyone agrees that rapid change is
taking place in the world economy, and I think technology is one of
the reasons for that. The more automated things get, the easier it
is to let people go. And technology makes it easier to move jobs
from one place to another. Obviously, that causes a lot of
disruption in communities that are dependent on those jobs.
To what other things is it linked?
I think the reasons are probably different for different parts of
the country. In Hampton Roads, the end of the Cold War and defense
downsizing have been more of a factor there than in some other
places. That's why I've spent so much time in Congress trying to
bring more defense jobs, as well as new business, to Hampton Roads.
How does it affect you, personally?
As often as I could hold office hours, I could meet with all
kinds of different people who need my help in one way or another.
Sometimes they just need help with different branches of government.
I think it's worth it if you can help make the difference with
someone.
What actions should be considered?
Even if economic change is beneficial to the community as a
whole, I think we need to remember that the benefits may not be
shared by everyone. When change happens so fast, it can be
disorienting and confusing. People can't predict the future based on
their past experience because really everything is so different now.
I think we all need to work to restore a sense of community and
common purpose, and that's at every level: neighborhood, town, city,
state and, of course, national.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
Sometimes I think people lose sight of the fact that what's good
for them might not be so good for other people. I think we sometimes
forget how big and diverse this country is. The district I represent
is a lot like this country. I have to take into account the diverse
interests of the many different communities of the fourth district
and of the country as a whole.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
I really have an open mind, and even the experts can't seem to
agree on the causes of these problems. I keep my ears open and try
to listen to people who have something to say.
What can a senator or congressman do?
On an individual level, a lot of my job consists of helping
people one-on-one with problems. But I've also worked very hard to
bring new jobs to Hampton Roads, both defense and other business. It
is absolutely amazing how much easier it is to deal with economic
change when there are plenty of jobs available. That won't solve
everything, of course, but it's a good start.
What can citizens do?
I think people need to be informed, even on these difficult
issues that experts disagree about. I've always thought that it
makes a big difference if people are really involved in the
decisions that affect their lives. In good times or bad, that kind
of empowerment can make all the difference in the world, and that's
what democracy is all about.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than governments do?
State and local governments can do their part by making it easier
for business to create jobs. Obviously state and local governments
have a big part in attracting new business, so that's something
concrete and achievable. The private sector is where most jobs are
created. Even when there is a lot of restructuring going on, and
some jobs are being lost, the best remedy is probably to create new
ones. In the end it's up to the private sector to create new jobs.
ANTHONY J. ZEVGOLIS
What's the nature of the problem? What is the cause?
The problem, in my opinion, is a national debt that has
quintupled since 1982 from $1 trillion to over $5 trillion this
year. That equates to every American owing over $20,000 each as his
share of the national debt. The cause obviously is a government
that's wasteful and spending beyond its means, running a debt for
the past 20 consecutive years. And it's because of pork-barrel
spending and projects that serve no national interest.
To what other things is it linked?
Obviously, the increasing deficit, increasing national debt,
higher interest payments, higher taxation and less money in
individual pockets, leaving less money to save.
How does it affect you, personally?
I'm in the insurance business. It used to be that among my
customers it was not unusual for families to have three or four cars
or more. Because of the economy, it's not uncommon for my customers
to have only two. A great many of them have only one car. In the
last five years, I have suffered a 20 percent decrease in my own
income. I'm not a pauper, but she drives an 8-year-old car with more
than 100,000 miles on it. We all really have felt the effects.
What actions should be considered?
We've got to curb wasteful government spending. Every one dollar
that the government spends is one dollar less that an individual or
business can spend for the same purpose. And obviously we need a
balanced budget amendment in the Constitution, and we need certainly
to have an immediate tax cut, which would give people more money in
their pocket for spending or saving. The capital gains tax needs to
be cut in half.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
Voter apathy. Congressmen who could care less about this country
going to financial ruin, because they're reaping the benefits from
the rich few, and they won't be around when the roof caves in.
Congressmen who have become elitist and out of touch with their
constituents, and who do not want to place constraints on their
ability to deliver pork to their favorite special interest groups.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace
another?
I think I'm going to have to stand fast that we need to stop that
spending. I think our country depends on that too much. People say,
well you could raise taxes. But that has a reverse effect on income.
I don't mind them spending if we have the revenue. I can't
compromise on that issue, I think it's so important we have to do
it.
What can a congressman do?
A congressman could see that term limits legislation gets passed.
A congressman can take the taxpayers pledge, which simply says that
he will not increase any taxes - period. Congress themselves could
set an initiative to hire a chief financial officer and an inspector
general to look at the congressional budget each year and require an
independent audit of every congressman's books.
What can citizens do?
Citizens need to get involved in all areas of government, and
certainly they need to demand and hold their congressman accountable
by checking their voting records and their spending records,
especially on any bills for taxation and spending, and see how their
congressman voted and hold them accountable for their record.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions
other than governments do?
I think states need to pass term-limit legislation. I think
institutions can demand that Congress, in awarding grants and
contracts, do it on a competitive basis. Why should one particular
college or one particular school get a grant just because it's in
one congressman's district?
KEYWORDS: ECONOMY CANDIDATES U.S. SENATE RACE VIRGINIA
CONGRESSIONAL RACE PROFILES by CNB