Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 31, 1993 TAG: 9311030386
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Virginia is at a critical point. Its trade-dependent economy can't afford to be outcompeted in global markets. Its defense-dependent economy must convert to a post-Cold War world. Its educational system has to be upgraded.
May we suggest that these issues, and not gun control or the Wizard of Oz or what's so bad about the other guy, should have been at the center of the 1993 campaign?
May we suggest that what should have been under discussion is how to build and maintain a world-class public-school system, a world-class work force and a world-class infrastructure, including technologies only now emerging?
Efficiency in government is promoted, it seems to us, not by empty talk as if "waste" were a line item that can be cut with a budget amendment, but by continuous, incremental efforts to improve the way government works.
Preventing crime - via more police and community-policing programs, better rehab efforts to reduce the prison recidivism rate, and initiatives to foster a better life for children most at risk of turning to violence - seems to us better for all concerned, including taxpayers and potential victims, than pandering to anger about crimes already committed.
This, it seems to us, has been a pretty miserable election campaign.
At the gubernatorial level, voters must weigh George Allen's imprudence against Mary Sue Terry's overcaution. In a reversal of stereotypes, Republican Allen proposes new initiatives but is evasive about how to pay for them; Democrat Terry defers to fiscal realities.
For lieutenant governor, incumbent Democrat Don Beyer has done a creditable job over the past four years, in consultation with business leaders, to lay the groundwork for developing a long-term economic strategy for Virginia. But you wouldn't know this from Beyer's own re-election campaign, which has focused almost exclusively on the weaknesses and weirdnesses of Republican candidate Michael Farris.
In his attorney general's race against Democrat Bill Dolan, Republican Jim Gilmore has made crime-fighting his central issue - as if the attorney general were some kind of statewide prosecutor, rather than (for the most part) counsel to state agencies in matters of civil law.
In House races, congratulations to Democrat Jim Shuler and Republican Nick Rush for at least avoiding mudslinging and personal attacks in their 14th House District contest to succeed retiring Del. Joan Munford of Blacksburg. Ditto to Democrat Wes Naff and Republican Allen Dudley in their 9th District contest to succeed retiring Del. Willard Finney of Rocky Mount.
In the 14th, however, Republican Bud Brumitt's campaign has consisted almost entirely of attacks on the business dealings and ethics of veteran Del. Richard Cranwell, a Vinton Democrat. In the 8th District race to succeed retiring Del. Steve Agee of Salem, Democrat Howard Packett blasts Republican Morgan Griffith, for having had (gasp) an unsavory client or two in his career as a criminal- defense lawyer. Packett draws criticism for having Carilion Health Care Systems - a Lewis-Gale Hospital competitor - as a client for his ad agency.
And in more area House districts than not, there's no campaign conversation whatsoever. Unopposed for rides back to Richmond are Democrats Vic Thomas, Chip Woodrum and Creigh Deeds; Republican Tommy Baker and independent Lacey Putney.
Races for local boards of supervisors tend, not surprisingly, to turn on local issues. If there is a common theme among these races this year, it is how best to strike a proper balance between the quest for economic growth and the desire to preserve the locality's attractive character. That, at least, is more germane than much of what's been offered by candidates for higher office.
It starts at the top. State Democrats are so hoarse from calling their opponents intolerant extremists that they have little voice with which to put forward their own agenda. The Republicans like robots repeat "Robb, Wilder," as a kind of mantra for public dissaffection.
Crimestopper George Allen wants to abolish parole. Crimestopper Mary Sue Terry wants a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases. The real crime is that side issues have grabbed the stage while the basic question - where should Virginia be going, and how can it get there? - goes largely unaddressed.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB