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gram would show that the utility is operated efficiently. Just how he knows this so far in advance of such an independent study is a mystery, but in any case one would expect the Governor of all the people to avoid pre-judging such a vital undertaking.
Gov. Godwin’s remarks appear to me to be so out-of-line with the integrity of his hig;h office and so prejudicial to the interests of hundreds of thousands of Vepco consumers,' as well as an infringement on the independence of the SCC itself, that I believe the proper legislative committee ought to launch an inquiry into his conduct in this matter.
I believe the interests of the public also would be well served if every public official, every judge, were required to submit to the Legislature a complete list of their stock and bond holdings and any other financial interests that might conceivably be construed as having any influence upon their opinions or decisions. It is unthinkable that a state judge, for example, might sit on an important utility case hearing or appeal while owning, without public knowledge, a large hunk of stock in the same utility. It is unthinkable, but it could easily happen under present lax statutes.
No one believes that, in favoring Vepco in the present rate hike case, Gov. Godwin is so doing for any reason other than his own personal views. But if his views are far too industry-minded and far too weak on consumer-protection, and if he speaks out injudiciously on pending rate cases, then it is high time that strong protests are voiced in the electorate.
Edward A. Harris
Huntly
96.6%