THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 20, 1996 TAG: 9610220465
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A11 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: DECISION '96
As Virginians look forward to the Nov. 5 election, they're thinking a
lot about issues that are important in their lives. Leadership.
Economic security. Education. Crime. National priorities. Each Sunday,
we will hear from candidates and citizens about these issues.
LENGTH: 439 lines
HOW DO YOU SEE THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES PROBLEM?
MARK WARNER
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
Special interest pressure, combined with concerns by incumbents about getting re-elected prevent politicians from making the tough choices necessary to balance the budget. Instead, we are promised massive tax cuts and a balanced budget at the same time.
To what other things is it linked?
It's linked to our failure to talk about major issues facing the nation. We are in the midst of a revolutionary economic change--a move from an industrial to an information-based economy. Yet, the Washington politicians keep debating the same old issues and giving the same old answers.
How does it affect you personally?
I don't want my daughters to carry the enormous debt created by my generation, but Washington seems to be unable to bring the deficit under control. And as a businessman, I know that if we fail to balance the budget, interest rates will rise, slowing the economy and preventing us from creating good private sector jobs.
What actions should be considered?
We should consider a balanced budget amendment to the constitution and cuts in every part of the budget--corporate welfare, entitlements, and even defense spending beyond what the Pentagon needs. We should consider taking the massive tax cuts off the table until our fiscal house is in order and focus on real priorities like investing in education and training to prepare Virginians for the jobs of the new economy.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
First, politicians naturally want to get re-elected, so they make promises that they think voters want to hear. Second voters don't always let politicians know that they're smart enough to see through promises of a balanced budget and massive tax cuts at the same time.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
I'm pretty sure that balancing the budget will be good for the country at all levels.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES PROBLEM?
What can a senator or representative do?
A senator can vote for a balanced budget amendment. A senator can be willing to make the tough cuts in all parts of the budget. A senator can be honest with the voters and tell them that a massive tax cut doesn't make sense until we get our fiscal house in order. And a senator can set priorities--like education--which will help America move into the next century.
What can citizens do?
They can work for politicians who make balancing the budget a top priority. They can let politicians know that they won't be fooled by promises of massive tax cuts and a balanced budget at the same time. But most importantly, they can recognize that government can't solve every problem alone and they can work together in their own communities with businesses and nonprofit groups to tackle important issues in partnership with government.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
State and local governments suffer from some of the same problems plaguing the federal government--too much partisan bickering and not enough focus on important issues. Businesses and nonprofit groups can work together on helping government solve problems. Government cannot do it alone.
JOHN W. WARNER
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
I have been diligently supporting efforts to balance the budget while maintaining appropriate funding for education, Medicare, school lunches, and other...national priorities. My opponent...is unwilling to state what his priorities would be...His strategy is simply to criticize me by misrepresenting....my record. This political opportunism is a primary example of why budgetary gridlock exists.
To what other things is it linked?
A lack of principle and a preference for pandering for votes rather than demonstrating leadership.
How does it affect you personally?
Like all taxpayers, I am incurring the cost of our Congress and citizens being unable to reach a consensus on spending priorities. Additionally, I am deeply concerned for the financial security of our children and grandchildren in the face of the growing national debt.
What actions should be considered?
The balanced budget amendment to the Constitution should be passed and Congress must continue striving for a consensus on a balanced budget plan. Additionally, the President should aggressively use his new line-item veto authority.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
Political opportunism and the unprincipled desire of some to put their own parochial interests ahead of the interests of our nation, its children and future generations.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
There is nothing more important for the future of our nation that to bring the budget into balance and begin reducing the national debt.
What can a senator or representative do?
I intend to continue working to balance the budget while supporting the spending priorities important to Virginians.
What can citizens do?
Vote for those candidates with a demonstrated record of supporting a balanced budget and the willingness to make the tough decisions to set spending priorities.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
Accept responsibility for administering those programs which are more appropriately their domain and resist efforts by the federal government to impose mandates which are not justified. Many times local and state governments and even non-governmental institutions can provide services more economically and efficiently than the federal government. These institutions also can be more innovative. The federal government should encourage and support these efforts.
JOHN F. TATE
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
The problem is not a lack of national priorities. The problem is that the Washington politicians have the wrong priorities. For 40 years, the liberals in Washington have put forward their agenda of big government giveaways and raised taxes and cut defense to pay for it.
To what other things is it linked?
Politicians like Bill Clinton and Owen Pickett think they can raise our children, run our businesses and live our lives better than we do. So they set up federal programs to run every aspect of life in America, barely knowing and not caring how much it all costs.
How does it affect you, personally?
As a father of three young children - Lauren, Joey and Jake - I'm very concerned about the staggering $3 trillion we are handing down to the next generation.
What actions should be considered?
Republicans tried to balance the budget last year, but Bill Clinton shut down the government rather than sign the balanced budget plan. We must pass the Balanced Budget Amendment to force government to live within its means. Then we must slash spending on big government giveaways.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
Democrats like Bill Clinton and Owen Pickett fight tooth and nail against real attempts to balance the budget. Then they turn around and vote for all the same social welfare boondoggles. Finally, to pay for their giveaways, they raise our taxes and cut defense once again.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
The liberals have had 40 years to try and make their deficit-spending, big-government schemes work. They have failed and given us a $3 trillion debt in the process. We have a moral obligation to our children to balance the budget and pay off that debt.
What can a senator or representative do?
As a congressman, I will fight for the Balanced Budget Amendment. I will also work to cut spending on big-government giveaways across the board. Every federal program that tries to raise our children, run our businesses and live our lives for us will be on the chopping block.
What can citizens do?
Citizens must refuse to accept the politicians' double-talk and lame excuses. Most states have balanced budget requirements and are happy with them.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
Most states have led by example in the balanced budget debate. Additionally, states and localities can demand that the federal government stop abrogating their Tenth Amendment right to deal with local issues as they see fit without having to pay 15 levels of federal bureaucracy to impose their one-size-fits-all ``solutions.'' Institutions other than government must be prepared to take care of the local needs in their communities. This was the norm in America for generations...
OWEN B. PICKETT
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
In a democracy there appears to be a problem getting government to stay the course long enough to have a significant impact. Members of the House come with an idea that they want to leave something memorable. That leads to huge amount of proposals on a wide range of subjects. On an issue like the deficit, it takes time to achieve success. There is a perception you can do these things overnight, but it simply does not happen that way.
To what other things is it linked?
The leadership in the Congress, combined with the White House, influences the success of getting legislation enacted. The publicity that is associated with government today influences the overall environment. We still read stories...about what a terrible place Congress is...But the place is a lot different today...You don't have the power barons the way they used to exist.
How does it affect you, personally?
The process of getting legislation passed into law seems to become...more difficult. We pass bills out of the House and Senate that don't seem to get the attention they require. The structure in Washington is so fluid and so flexible that the rules on any given day almost mean nothing. Bills just pop up at all stages of the process. Members are not kept fully informed.
What actions should be considered?
There is room to improve the legislative process...Take what happened in the last few days of the session. They had been messing around since March with the appropriations bills. There are only 13. Seven got passed as separate bills. Six of them...got combined into a huge, 3,000-page bill that showed up...just before the federal fiscal year ended...With one hour of debate the members had to vote for or against it.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
Institutional inertia. The people who have the power don't want to give it up. Those who don't have the power don't have the wherewithal to change. It's been this way since 1787.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
I'm not sure a complete reworking of the system is necessary. There are things that could be done that could smooth the functioning of the system. We have a provision in the Virginia Constitution that says a bill can only deal with one subject matter...It tends to have issues more narrowly categorized so that the issue can be dealt with as one issue. But this would require a constitutional change.
What can a senator or representative do?
You can discuss it and try to make the public aware of it. You can exercise the opportunities that arise in the chamber to change things and these do arise from time to time. It is a part of the legislative process. These are matters of negotiation...The leadership of the House and Senate, if they wanted to, could improve the process. But there's no real incentive for them to do that.
What can citizens do?
The public can pursue the effect of the way affairs are managed at the national level.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
There may be a way to come up with a process to improve the way the legislature conducts its business. A lot of thinking goes into what's done, but there aren't too many people who understand what could be done to improve the process. Most people talk about what `has been' but no one sits down to figure out what would be a more effective way to conduct the legislative process at the federal level.
ELSIE GOODWYN HOLLAND
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
Nobody wants to take responsibility for recommending cuts. The 104th Congress tried to do that, and everyone talked about how mean-spirited they were. We have to do what we have to do. We shouldn't sacrifice integrity just to be popular.
To what other things is it linked?
It's linked to the continued election of liberals and even some conservatives. They say what people want to hear, and that's just talk. They say they won't cut entitlements because folks don't want to hear that, but we need to cut them. These people just want to get elected.
How does it affect you, personally?
It causes my taxes, along with everybody else's, to be too high and continue to skyrocket.
What actions should be considered?
Reduce the deficit, cut spending. First get elected and then initiate legislation and be able to stand the pressure of losing your popularity because no one wants to hear about cutting entitlements, and that's what's required. Decide your priorities by talking with groups in the community and convince everyone else it's for their own good to reduce spending and the deficit.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
Political parties often stand in the way. Some folks will stand for their party rather than for their own principles. You want you party's support but at the same time you need to listen to your own convictions. Party interests stand in the way sometimes.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
When someone demonstrates to me that our taxes are lower and people are working and and enjoying life and not sitting around depending wholeheartedly on support from government. I would change my mind only if I can be shown Great Society programs have helped and we are living better now than 25 years ago.
What can a senator or representative do?
They have to stop offering initiatives everyday that promise all things to all people. They can't be all things to all people. People need to get out and try things on their own. Congressmen need to refrain from sponsoring that pork-barrel legislation.
What can citizens do?
Vote for people who are committed to tax reform and budget reduction. They can stand for strong work ethics. They can help others find work and get involved in the solutions. It starts at the grassroots level. Answers should not be handed down from government, they should come up from citizens.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
They can do the same - sponsor groups and get citizens talking and developing solutions for consideration.
ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
Many candidates campaign on slogans and gimmicks rather than on an honest discussion of the issues. So we have some candidates talking about tax cuts because that scores well in the polls and a balanced budget because that scores well in the polls and increased spending. The reality is that arithmetically, you can't do all three.
To what other things is it linked?
The entire budget is linked together in that when you are spending more one one thing you have less to spend for others. We have to be honest by facing the fact that we have limited resources. We should set priorities so we will fund the priorities. That means we may have to forgo things we can't afford.
How does it affect you personally?
It effects every person because a higher deficit and uncontrolled spending leads to higher interest rates. So everyone pays more in mortgages, car notes and credit cards than they should. And it means our national priorities are not funded because they don't score well on popularity polls, although they are needed.
What actions should be considered?
We need to rely less on short-term popular opinion polls and focus more on long-term objectives. Many good vote-getting sound bites actually represent poor long-term planning.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
When people only spend a short time considering an issue and listen to only 30-second sound bites, many politicians take advantage of that and only develop ideas that sound good for 30 seconds...It's disturbing there is actually a presidential candidate promoting a tax cut because that candidate has determined it might get him votes.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
I think we should always take a long-term, deliberate approach to public policy and not support a short-term popular poll approach to public policy.
What can a senator or representative do?
A congressman can discuss the issues from a long-term perspective and support initiatives that make sense after the 30-second sound bite is done. It's distressing that we still have politicians that promise massive tax cuts, significant increases in spending and a balanced budget all at the same time. Obviously, that's irresponsible and plays politics by putting our future economy at risk.
What can citizens do?
They should not be swayed by snappy slogans and gimmicks, and they should insist on results such as a year by year reduction in the budget deficit. Citizens should reject the label placed on some pieces of legislation such as the Republican ``balanced budget act,'' when the results would be an increased deficit after two years followed by a promise to balance the budget in the next five years.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
State and local government need to concentrate on much better fiscal policy. In Virginia, they need to continue their tradition of fiscal responsibility. Institutions, the private sector, need to help set priorities. Hopefully, education and employment will be higher on the priority list.
NORMAN SISISKY
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
The 4th District is very diverse. The United States is diverse, too. Responsible people stand on virtually all sides of every issue. Our founding fathers knew that and created a system of checks and balances in a government that's of the people, by the people and for the people. If the people are divided, government is gridlocked.
To what other things is it linked?
Most of us are smart enough to see both sides of an issue, and sometimes it's hard to find the best solution. I think that's part of life, and it's part of being responsible. It's reflected in how we determine national priorities.
How does it affect you personally?
I welcome the challenge. I love to work with people in the district, and I'm confident in my abilities to use my business experience and good judgment. It offers a way for me to give something back to my community.
What actions should be considered?
When the United States or the district is not of one mind, it's usually not right to force the issue. Republicans learned that over the last two years when they tried to make deep cuts in the growth of Medicare, and the administration learned it when they tried to make health care changes people weren't willing to accept. I think a good, responsible approach is to go slow and bring people together in partnership.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
I think sometimes people forget the extraordinary diversity of this great nation. I see lots of people as I travel around the district. They agree on some things and disagree on others. Out of basic respect for people, I believe it's wrong to force a position without widespread general agreement. And that's what living in a democracy is all about.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
So far, my approach has been successful because I listen and I try to be very honest with people. I tell them the truth, and at the present time, I wouldn't change my approach. What can a senator or representative do?
The most important thing a congressman can do is listen to people. I meet with constituents every day of the week and hold office hours and meetings when I'm home. My door is always open.
What can citizens do?
I frequently tell people their greatest challenge is to convince their next-door neighbors. That's how you build grass-roots support for making changes at any level of government.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
Partnership, partnership, partnership. They need to develop open communication, talk to each other, decide on a course of action and follow through. I think it's pretty simple, and when it happens, the results are usually worth it. Institutions can try the same thing as people - get grass-roots strength.
ANTHONY J. ZEVGOLIS
What's the nature of the problem? What is its cause?
The problem is a populace that's more concerned with what the country can do for them than what they can do for their country. Most Americans are honest, hard-working...citizens. The cause of the problem is special interest groups...people who believe it's the government's obligation to take care of them from the cradle to the grave and, most importantly to blame, are those politicians like my opponent who cater to them...
To what other things is it linked?
It is linked to career politicians, pork barreling, deficit spending, wasteful spending, higher taxes, higher interest rates, less jobs, less money for businesses to invest, heavy government borrowing. Basically it affects everyone.
How does it affect you, personally?
I'm no different than any other citizen. Like everyone else, I'm paying more taxes, have less money to spend, to pay for higher-priced goods and services. Everyone's standard of living has been lowered. As an individual, as a small businessman and as a local elected official, I can readily attest to the fact that families are having to do more with less.
What actions should be considered?
Balancing the budget and reducing the national debt are obvious. But to accomplish that we have to enact term limits...When my opponent was elected to Congress in 1982, the national debt was approximately $1 trillion. After 14 years, it is now over $5 trillion. My opponent has a consistent record of voting for every tax hike and deficit-spending package enacted by the House.
What's standing in the way of these actions?
Self-interest groups, career politicians, voter apathy. The people themselves have an obligation to understand the issues and hold their congressmen accountable. And the congressmen have an obligation to inform the people of the consequences of their votes. I don't think we're doing a good job of that at all.
What would cause you to reconsider your approach and embrace another?
Nothing. It's time for this nation to take the positive steps necessary to prevent us from going bankrupt and into total chaos. We must balance the budget and reduce the debt for a stronger America.
What can a senator or representative do?
Enact a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution. Stop voting for budgets that have deficit spending. Stop wasteful spending. Enact term limits. My opponent voted to spend $1 million of the taxpayers' money to fight term limits. Enact tax-cutting legislation to stimulate the economy to create jobs... When you balance the budget and get rid of the deficit, then you could lower the interest rates.
What can citizens do?
Citizens can become more familiar with the issues, can hold their elected officials more accountable, can vote those in office who support our philosophy of smaller government, campaign reforms, term limits and lower taxes to stimulate the economy.
What can state and local governments do? What can institutions other than government do?
I think state and local governments can stop making demands on the federal government for projects that are wasteful and that really do not have as high a priority. West Virginia has two atomic clocks. I think we have to prioritize our demands, so that we put those things that are truly necessary first. I think institutions have an obligation to make sure that the citizens and the general public are informed as to the issues and the consequences of those issues. Every public library has information. I think they need to print more detailed information about congressmen's records...
KEYWORDS: ELECTION VIRGINIA U.S. SENATE RACE VIRGINIA
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