Issues Will Get Women Elected

Jean Askham of the League of Women Voters looks to a day when women will hold 50% of the seats in Congress and in state legislatures (“Orange County Voices,” Aug. 25). To do this, they will have to win broad support by running on issues that command widespread interest. Two of today’s noteworthy political leaders show how to do it.

In New Jersey, Gov. Christine Todd Whitman ran on a promise to roll back tax increases pushed through by her predecessor, James Florio. She carried out her promise, cutting the state income tax by 30%. As a result, while still in her first term, she was already described as a suitable nominee for vice president.

In San Diego, Mayor Susan Golding dismisses the notion that a city government should provide patronage jobs, as in Chicago, or should redistribute income, as in New York. She sees city government as a public utility, contracting with private firms to deliver services. Her city features low taxes, rapid growth, a business-friendly climate and rising prosperity. And she may run for the Senate in 1998.

Women will not win elections by insisting on a quota system, or by beating the drums for Anita Hill. But they will continue to win, and deservedly so, by taking the lead in a nationwide push toward personal responsibility and away from big government.

T.A. HEPPENHEIMER

Fountain Valley