DATE: Wednesday, October 22, 1997           TAG: 9710220014

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Editorial 

                                            LENGTH:   47 lines

PILOT ENDORSEMENTS HOW WE CHOOSE

The Pilot's editorial page makes endorsements in contested races because it's our job to express opinions on issues of public policy. Who should hold public office is among the most important issues.

Despite fashionable anti-government rhetoric, government matters. It has an important job to do. Government provides services that individuals and businesses can't provide for themselves but can't do without - public schools, public roads, public safety at state and local levels. It also raises revenue to pay for those services, preferably in an efficient manner.

In deciding which candidates to endorse, we meet with them, study what they say and write, examine their records and character. In general, incumbents who have done a good job should not be cast out capriciously. Experience has value and seniority often counts, but mere longevity doesn't justify endorsement. Since governing is largely concerned with raising and spending money and crafting legislation, professional training in business, accounting or law is clearly useful.

This year's races present a special challenge. From governor to dogcatcher, the election has turned into an irresponsible referendum on No Car Tax. But No Car Tax is not a policy. It's a bumper sticker. We agree that major tax reform is needed in Virginia. But the two competing personal property tax plans are flawed. Even if they weren't, we don't believe tax cuts are warranted until pressing needs for roads and school infrastructure are addressed, soberly and intelligently.

We favor candidates who share that view. Unfortunately, most candidates either truly favor tax cuts over investments or fear voters will reject them if they say otherwise.

That makes choosing more difficult. But the question of who will lead Virginia in the years ahead is too important to become bogged down in disappointment over campaign rhetoric and a single issue. Across the board, there are important distinctions between candidates and the directions in which they would take the state. Over the next four days, we'll tell you whom we endorse and why.

Thursday: constitutional offices.

Friday: House of Delegates.

Saturday: attorney general and lieutenant governor.

Sunday: governor. KEYWORDS: ENDORSEMENTS

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