THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 5, 1996 TAG: 9611050300
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Decision '96
As Virginians looked to today's elections, they have thought a lot
about the qualities they want in their leaders. Virginians attach
roughly equal importance to the candidates' stands on the issues and
the candidates' leadership qualities. We posed questions about
leadership to the candidates for Congress. Today's is the final
installment.
LENGTH: 95 lines
More important than electing the right person to office, improving government or improving how the media covers politics, Virginians said in a recent poll that there is a pressing need for people to take more responsibility for their concerns and for people to work together. How could you help people to do this?
SENATE
John W. Warner (R)
Unfortunately, many people feel disenfranchised - thinking that no matter what they do, they can't fight City Hall, Capitol Hill, or whatever is not serving their needs. I strongly believe that one person can make a difference. Grassroots political activity and community volunteer work to help those less fortunate are excellent ways to get involved and make a difference. I strongly encourage all Virginians to step up and participate in their community and their government, regardless of their party affiliation. More and more people must assume responsibility for themselves and their family.
Further, to try to limit gridlock and give Virginians more faith in their government, I fought hard last year to keep the federal government functioning and not be shut down. This unfortunate breakdown between the executive branch and Congress is a sad example of why so many lose faith in government. It must be avoided.
Mark R. Warner (D)
The Virginia Health Care Foundation, which I helped create, brings people together in communities across the commonwealth to provide high quality health care for uninsured and underinsured Virginians. When government tries to solve a problem alone, it often fails. But when government acts as a catalyst, our citizens come together to help one another. I also believe that government can encourage people to take personal responsibility through efforts like community policing and welfare reform that takes into account child care and job training needs.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2ND DISTRICT
Owen B. Pickett (D)
I try to do it by taking a leadership position on matters that I know are of importance to the community. In the recent base closure process, I enlisted the cooperation and support of the city of Virginia Beach and a lot of people in the community who are knowledgeable, both for Norfolk and Virginia Beach. We came up with one of the most effective organizations of a public nature that I have participated in. I have never been a part of a volunteer group of people who worked on such a high level of participation as they did in those meetings.
John F. Tate (R)
This nation was built on the principle that individuals must take responsibility for their concerns, and that people must work together to fill needs in their community. But today, not only does the federal government force its one-size-fits-none solutions on us, the vast regulatory bureaucracy often forbids us to try local solutions that might work. I will actively work to get the federal government off our backs so we as individuals can once again assume responsibility for our lives, our families, and our communities.
3RD DISTRICT
Elsie Goodwyn Holland (R)
Until I have the vast resources of a congressional office to facilitate a true public forum, I couldn't get them really talking. If they do that, they themselves can come up with solutions and make recommendations.
Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott (D)
I would continue to meet with constituents. I would continue to try to use a common-sense approach based on research and information when I take positions rather than on slogans and sound bites. And I would continue to hold town hall meetings and issue forums as I have in the past.
4TH DISTRICT
Norman Sisisky (D)
I think the way to help people is to encourage them by example. I hope my example of hard work will encourage people to realize the success I have enjoyed. As people become successful, they can try to give something back to the community, as I think I have.
Anthony Zevgolis (R)
I do believe that we have a pressing need for more people to take responsibility for their actions. As a congressman I would do everything in my power to make sure they have the tools necessary to take care of their concerns. I don't believe in the government taking care of people from cradle to grave.
KEYWORDS: CANDIDATES ISSUES LEADERSHIP VIRGINIA SENATE RACE
1996 VIRGINIA CONGRESSIONAL RACE 1996 by CNB