In dealing with the state budget, Gov. Mark Warner has suggested time and again that the people of Northern Virginia should hold referendums to decide whether to raise taxes for roads and other improvements. Northern Virginians seem to agree with this idea.

Well, if it is self-determination these people want, let's give it to them. Let North Virginia become its own state and solve its own problems--the ones it created.

In fact, I don't think there would be too many objections
if North Virginia wanted to become its own country.

There would, of course, be numerous defections by those seeking asylum from the lifestyle of the new land, but that would be nothing new. The rest of Virginia has been dealing with such refugees for decades.

For years, Northern Virginians have told Richmond that they could do it better. Let's give them their chance to prove it.

I can see it now, a flag of blue flying over the Fairfax County Statehouse. In a red box in the upper left-hand corner of the flag there would be four stars surrounding a child with a schoolbook in one hand and a soccer ball in the other.

I have even come up with North Virginia's state motto: "We know how to do it better!"

OK, prove it!

DONNIE JOHNSTON covers the Culpeper area for The Free Lance-Star. Write him at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; or by fax at 540/373-8455.