Informed Opinions on Today’s Topics : The President’s Economic Plan for California

In a campaign-style stop at Valley College on Tuesday, President Bill Clinton outlined his plans for reviving both the state and federal economies.

In addition to the goals of reducing the federal budget deficit, lowering interest rates to spur economic growth and downsizing the federal bureaucracy, the President spoke of “targeted increases in investment” in the country’s economic future. As an example, he cited the need to increase funding for such job training programs as Valley College’s computer-assisted design and computer-assisted machining curricula, which he said are essential to the nation’s continued ability to compete in the global economy.

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Do you think President Clinton’s economic policies can revive the California economy?

Child-development student Erika Abbott, 22, of Van Nuys:

“I think Clinton’s got a much better shot at it than either Reagan or Bush because he’s much more interested in what working people want and need. Reagan was doing OK for the rich people, not for the working people. The rich people only make up like 1% of the country, 2% of the country. I mean, what about the rest of us?”

Math department chairman Phil Clarke, 67, of Van Nuys:

“I think (his proposals) have the potential for reviving the economy. The main problem seems to be the Republicans in the Senate. He can probably get his program through the House of Representatives, but the danger of filibuster in the Senate will probably make it difficult. If he were to succeed, even in a compromised form, I think it has the potential of improving the economy. That’s why I voted for him, on the strength of his promises.”

Campus cafeteria cashier Barbara Brunn, 65, of Panorama City:

“I believe in him. I’m a Democrat and I’m thrilled with him and I like all of his ideas. I only hope that he can do half of what he’s setting out to do. If he can do half of what he says, it will be a lot.”

Former Valley College Vice President Edwin Young, 63, of Granada Hills:

“It’s going to take the combined efforts of all the parts of government, business and education to make this work. The problem now, as I see it, is that there are too many inhibitions, too many blockages and not the willingness to try.”

Criminal-justice student Les Toth, 27, of Panorama City:

“He doesn’t seem to be doing much. All he’s doing is raising taxes. He’s not getting to the meat of things. He’s got to be more direct about what he wants to do. He always jumps back and forth. He never gives you a straight answer.”

Music student Adriel Hamal, 34, of Studio City:

“He has to be given a chance to let some of these policies work. If the Republicans are fighting against him, then he won’t be able to go through with some of the plans he has for the future of America. We just have to wait and see.”

Sociology professor Sydell Pannor, 60:

“I think we ought to give it a chance. We’ve accumulated tremendous debt with the administrations that preceded him, and he’s left holding the bag trying to rescue us. He needs cooperation from the business community, and that includes Fortune 500 companies, rather than obstruction.”

Retired math professor and Assn. of Retired Teachers President Bernard Friedman, 76, of Van Nuys:

“If he can get (his proposals) past the Republican roadblock in the Senate, he has a good chance. I think the closure of the military bases here is having a bad effect on our economy, but I think in the long run it will help us.”