FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 10, 2000

RON WALTERS ANNOUNCES LEGISLATIVE COMEBACK!Former Republican Delegate Hoping to Reunite Four Horsemen

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Saying he wants to reunite the fiscally conservative "Four Horsemen" team in the House of Delegates, former Kanawha County Delegate RON WALTERS (R-32nd) filed the necessary papers today to return to a legislative seat he held from 1993-99.

"It's been a nice break, but I am ready to get back to work for the people of the 32nd District," Delegate Walters said. "I look forward to working again with Delegates Harrison, Webb and Armstead as we continue to promote an agenda of jobs, fiscal conservatism and lower taxes."

Walters said the 32nd District has made a lot of progress in the 1990's, including record job growth, improved roads, new water and sewer systems, expanded State Police presence and better schools. Equally important, taxpayers have not had a tax increase in over seven years, he said.

"It is important we continue this growth forward, so the 32nd District can truly become the envy of the entire state," Walters said. "We have the road bond program to continue, new infrastructure projects we need to find funding for and continued emphasis on modern and safe schools."

"We face the additional challenge of trying to head-off new taxes, especially as we hear talk by some that higher taxes may be necessary to offset lost revenue in the coal industry. Ron Walters will continue to be a strong voice for the taxpayers, who are already paying too much."

Walters said he wants to use his 25 years experience in the insurance field to find new and creative ways to deal with the state's health insurance crisis. This includes funding problems within the state's beleaguered PEIA program and also helping the many uninsured in the state afford coverage.

"Between the PEIA and those that are not now covered, there is a huge market available to private industry. We must and should look to the private sector for answers to problems that government cannot solve. No one, in this day and age, can afford to be without health coverage."

Walters said he also wants to help veterans and will be pushing legislation to remove military retirement pay from the state income tax. He is also supportive of a legislative study committee that is looking into building a state nursing home to care for an aging veterans population.

"More than 1,000 World War II veterans are dying each day in this country and we have a responsibility to keep the promises we made to these brave fighting men and women. This is a personal commitment with me since my dad was a Korean War Marine Corps veteran."

During his time in the Legislature, Walters earned a 100 percent "Friend of the Taxpayer" score from West Virginians Against Government Waste. Walters was also regularly endorsed by pro-family, veterans, law enforcement, business, sportsmen (NRA) and others groups.

From 1995-99, Walters served on the important Finance Committee, which helped develop the State Budget. He also had service on the Health, Insurance and Government Organization committees where he gained broad experience in developing legislation and policy.

Walters is the president of R.N. Walters & Associates, an insurance benefits firm based in Charleston. He and his wife, Debra, have two sons (Ronny and Chris) and reside in Cross Lanes. Walters and family worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Charleston.

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION:


Delegate Ron Walters
5035 Bennington Drive
Cross Lanes, W.Va. 25313

(304) 346-4823