U(1)$_A$ Models of Fermion Masses Without a $��$ Problem

We discuss the connection between models of fermion masses and mixing involving a string-motivated flavor/generation U(1)$_A$ gauge symmetry and the $��$ term. We point out that in a certain class of such models the flavor physics can provide an appealing solution to the $��$ problem, naturally yielding a $��\sim O(m_{_W})$. A simple relationship between the $U(1)_A$ charge $q_{H}$ of the $��$-term and the average generational $U(1)_A$ charges of the down quark and leptonic sectors is derived. Finally, we construct an explicit model illustrating our results.
12 pages, Latex File