THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 11, 1995 TAG: 9505100010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
I am grateful for your excellent editorials about Earth Day.
I read with interest Scott Harper's Earth Day interview with Secretary of Natural Resources Becky Dunlop, and as usual I was disgusted by her news. With a barely hidden contempt for those who consider our work to improve the environment unfinished, Ms. Dunlop once again made it clear that she does not believe environmental protection to be either necessary or a high priority. She sees her position as an opportunity to dismantle Virginia's environmental-protection programs rather than to improve and enhance them.
The problem lies not with Ms. Dunlop, however. She is entitled to her views, but her views are irresponsible and inappropriate for one who is Virginia's top environmental official.
Gov. George Allen appointed her to this important position, and he bears the burden for this decision. By selecting a secretary of natural resources with virtually no knowledge of ecological principles, no understanding of or experience with complex environmental issues, and no interest in reaching beyond a limited political dogma to make policy decisions, Governor Allen has demonstrated disdain for Virginia's constitutional mandate to restore and protect environmental quality.
With regard to the environment, like so many other important issues, the governor is dividing Virginia's citizens and creating a mess we will be fixing long after he is gone.
MICHAEL KENSLER
Norfolk, April 29, 1995 by CNB