THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 7, 1995 TAG: 9507070006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Regarding the latest Lake Gaston ``Who shot John'' finger-pointing contest, it appears that the needs of Virginia Beach citizens, regardless of political affiliation, have been subjugated to the political needs of the Allen administration.
Two or three days prior to the refusal of the governor to call the special session of the General Assembly, I heard Patrick McSweeney, head of the state Republican Party, declare on the radio that he is the legal representative of a southside group opposed to the Lake Gaston pipeline.
Governor Allen likewise has supporters and friends in the northern and Roanoke regions who are also opposed to the pipeline.
How convenient for the governor. Knowing full well that the Democratic leadership will guard its legislative prerogatives, as afforded by the constitution of the commonwealth, against any and all incursion by the opposition party, Mr. Allen and Mr. McSweeney can make political hay, while satisfying their respective sponsors, by trying to limit the scope of the special session.
Now, when Virginia Beach citizens complain about dry faucets and water restrictions, the Allen administration, with Mr. McSweeney's help, can say it was the ``other guy'' who caused the problem.
Perhaps the governor and the head of the Republican Party are of the opinion that Virginia Beach Republicans don't get thirsty. This November, let all of us remember that if the Lake Gaston pipeline is still dry, the present administration won't have the water to wash its hands of its part in this problem either.
MARVIN K. GEROE
Virginia Beach, July 3, 1995 by CNB