Adjust Text Size

For Immediate Release
August 18, 2005
Back

Letters to the Editor
The Butler Eagle
114 West Diamond Street
P.O. Box 271
Butler, PA   16001 

Dear Editor: 

I cannot let your editorial criticizing me for not returning phone calls go unaddressed. 

The fact of the matter is that your reporter was miffed because my staff would not give him my cell phone number.  He insinuated that he would retaliate.  I do not give out my cell phone number.  I have a cell phone for my convenience, not so that you can reach me 24 hours a day.  I use it sparingly and I pay the bill personally. 

I was in Washington, D.C. for meetings when your reporter called.  I drove, and timing was very tight.  I had already issued a written statement on the mercury rule and my executive director of the Environmental Committee made himself completely available to answer any of the reporter's questions.  Ironically, earlier this month I did a TV interview with a reporter concerning my stance on a state mercury rule.  I've talked to many other reporters and answered dozens of citizen letters.  That is hardly silence or secrecy. 

Your comparison with the enactment of the pay raise is outrageous.  You make frequent references to it but rarely say that I voted against the bill and did not take the raise.  And when you do, you mention my 'silence' on lesser known provisions of the law, as if I tacitly approve of it all.  As a member of leadership, I certainly was not given a "walk" on this one.  I note that you always use the term "lawmakers" so as to lump the House and Senate and both sides of the aisle in one category.  For the record, nearly half of the Senate has declined the pay raise in the form of unvouchered expense payments.  So far, only the House Democrats have punished "no" votes by changing committee assignments. 

I have no problem with people disagreeing with my position.  But to insinuate that I am refusing to answer questions or defend my position is simply wrong. 

Sincerely,

MARY JO WHITE
SENATOR, 21ST DISTRICT