THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 19, 1996 TAG: 9607190005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 27 lines
I take umbrage regarding ``Timely disclosure, please'' (editorial, July 9), implying that the perfectly legitimate lobbying activity of several Virginia companies and associations is somehow wrong and that the ammount of money spent is important to the outcome of the legislation or regulation.
I wonder how much money you, your parent company and the myriad of associations to which you contribute spent last year trying to influence legislation and regulations influencing just your broadcasting interests?
How much space and time has your company given to champion your political, social and economic positions and what was the value of that effort in real dollars?
Lobbying may be the only way ordinary citizens and legitimate companies can get their message before the legislators and regulators who are almost committed to running the state and the country unchecked.
The implication that the legitimate activities of companies such as Trigon resulted in a negative outcome for the citizens of Virginia is hypocritical on your part. Where were your editorials condemning the proposed legislation or regulations when the issues were before the House, Senate and governor?
CHARLES McFADDEN
Virginia Beach, July 9, 1996 by CNB