Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 2, 1991 TAG: 9104020516
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Combing through more than 740 bills passed this year by the General Assembly, Wilder spotted several errors of legislative judgment, and he's telling the assembly to fix them.
The lawmakers, of course, could reject Wilder's amendments to their legislative handiwork when the assembly takes up the amendments on Wednesday. They might even attempt to override his veto of a couple of bills - though it's rare that such attempts are even contemplated.
Most of the corrective actions recommended by Wilder are, however, constructive and necessary.
For example, Wilder has shown more courage than the lawmakers could muster on the issue of gun control. Under political pressure from the National Rifle Association, the assembly wimped out on a proposal to expand a state law requiring background checks on would-be gun purchasers. Legislators passed a weaker bill that would require criminal-history checks for handguns; the governor is returning the bill with an amendment to cover all firearms. That's an entirely reasonable amendment. The legislature should approve it without further squeamish ado.
Wilder also differs with a bill that gives a special interest priority over consumers' interests. He wants to preserve a requirement that building contractors provide customers with a one-page document outlining contractors' duties and consumers' rights. This also is reasonable, in light of rising consumer complaints to the state.
Like most Virginia governors, Wilder has used his veto powers sparingly. But among the measures he turned down are a pair that go blatantly against the public's interest and cried out to be vetoed.
One would have allowed an individual convicted of three drunken-driving offenses to get back on the road under a restricted driver's license.
Wilder says such multiple offenders are a threat to the motoring public and shouldn't be behind the wheel under any circumstances. He's right.
Another of the bills he vetoed would have prohibited a motorist traveling 64 miles an hour in a 25 mile-per-hour speed zone from being charged with reckless driving. Wilder says anyone exceeding the speed limit by 39 miles per hour is driving recklessly. Most people would concur, and wonder why lawmakers figured otherwise.
On each of these matters, the legislature would do well to accede to the governor's recommendations.
by CNB