Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 30, 1990                   TAG: 9006300393
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PEOPLE

"My goal is to get people thinking, and if it leads to the presidency or a university or another place, that's besides the point. I don't have a singular goal."

The paralyzed Vietnam veteran, whose memoirs were made into a movie of the same name, recently decided against running for Republican Bob Dornan's congressional seat in Orange County, Calif.

Kovic, who turns 44 on July 4, says public response will determine if he decides to run.

If he does, he says, "Rather than beat somebody, it would be a campaign to awaken people, a campaign of inspiration and empowerment. A campaign to show that everyday people have a right to challenge government."

James Michner has some advice for Wyoming residents: build a wall around the state to "keep the goons out."

Michener, the author of "Centennial," told about 100 people on Thursday the state needs to resist the temptation to corrupt its natural resources, and prevent incursions on Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks.

Michener, who spent some time in Wyoming in the 1970s researching "Centennial," said steps are needed to preserve the state's natural beauty. One of his suggestions was buying a ranch and preserving it so children in 50 years will be able to see what ranch life was like.

"I said a few years ago I would build a wall around Wyoming to keep the goons out," he said. "I guess I still think that."

Michener, 83, was in Wyoming at the invitation of its first lady, Jane Sullivan, to help the state celebrate its centennial.

"We should keep this as a treasurehouse for the rest of the country," he said.

Willie Nelson can get the IRS off his mind after agreeing to pay $6.5 million in personal and business taxes and penalties under a settlement approved by a U.S. Tax Court judge.

Nelson was penalized under sections of the tax code regarding negligence, failure to file a tax return and failure to pay taxes. Judge Mary Ann Cohen approved the settlement June 6.

His tax trouble began in October 1984 when Internal Revenue Service investigators alleged he owed $1.6 million in back taxes for 1972 through 1978. In May 1988, the IRS charged he owed another $9.4 million for 1979 through 1983. The IRS assessed hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties both times.