people

The Southeast Missourian asked people what they think about Vice President Al Gore's plan to "reinvent Government" by streamlining bureaucracy and cutting waste?

Allan Horsman of Westmont, Ill.: "It's obvious that many people want this. We overspend. But it's got to be done with intelligence, not by hacking programs. The administration needs an image enhancement. We'll see what happens."

Joan Chapman of Fredricktown: "Nothing would surprise me. Why close agencies and lay people off? Doesn't charity begin at home? Morals have gone down hill. Christians should get into politics where they have a real voice and can make changes."

Guy Proffer of Cape Girardeau: "I don't think the cuts they're proposing, like our local Army Corp of Engineers who played an integral part in the flooding (are sound). Why close them here? Close them in Washington. The agencies stationed out here in America support the people. I just don't like Gore."

Sherrel Pinnon of Anna, Ill.:20"They have a lot of government waste, but the cuts need to be done in the right places. I hate to see local jobs lost. I heard they are going to cut out public opinion operators, and then they will lose public input."

Lisa Adams of Cape Girardeau: "I think they're the administration to do it. Al Gore is a better backup than Dan Quayle. He's made enough enemies, why stop here? The baby boomer age has new ideas and isn't afraid."

Juanita Ratliff of Cape Girardeau: "I don't think they can cut all that, because congress would stop them. To cut the way they describe would hurt the community. I would never use a credit card to pay my taxes."