► Survey

Survey

From Page A-l

respondents said the environment is an “extremely important” issue in the race for governor.

Of particular concern to Virginia voters is preserving small farms and rural areas from sprawl and controlling pollution in rivers and watersheds. About half of all poll respondents said the state is not doing enough. A majority of those surveyed do think the state is making progress on controlling air pollution and preserving wilderness and natural areas. But just 38 percent thought the state legislature was doing an excellent or good job on environmental issues. Asked if they support imposing stiff fines on polluting companies even if it might give Virginia an “anti-business reputation,” 67 percent said they would favor punishing companies that violate pollution laws, while 27 percent worried about businesses leaving the state as a result.

Other survey findings:

• 43 percent say “having access to places of natural beauty, such as mountains or rivers” is the thing they appreciate most about life in Virginia.

• 25 percent say they belong to or contribute to environmental or conservation organizations.

• Asked if the state is “generally headed in the right direction these days,” 60 percent said “yes” and 18 percent said “no.”

► Cops

From Page A-l

assaulted her. She obtained warrants on him charging him with simple assault and damage to private property.

A window and storm door were broken at the residence of Daniel Hickerson in Amissville on May 10. At press time it was not yet known what may be missing from the house.

A 17-year-old Sperryville girl had a minor traffic accident on Route 626, 1.5 miles east of Route 522 in Castleton, last Thursday. According to Va. State Trooper W.A. Sumner’s accident report, she slid on the wet road, ran off the side of the road and struck an embankment. She was not injured and was not charged in the accident.