Editor: Referring to the article in last edition by

Editor:

Referring to the article in last edition by Ed Harris denouncing the SCC powerline decision, we feel it necessary to correct an error. House Bill 664 was introduced quickly and quietly in the 1974 General Assembly at the Request of Virginia’s utility interests and, we later learned first hand, with the full support of each SCC Commissioner. The day of the bill’s printing we were informed and did everything possible to include phone calls, telegrams, letters and a statement of opposition for presentation at committee hearings. The rushed efforts prevented unanimous passage in both ^chambers. We do recall subsequently explaining the logic behind the bill to soothe Mr. Harris and suggest why no one really had a chance to defeat it.

It is unconscionable that Mr. Harris would, while admittedly angry and upset, write another in a series of distortions, that HB 664 was felt to be a good thing. Both RLEP and its President have established a more than adequate record of supporting the lawful prerogatives and responsibilities of local government. We are not aware of any local government ever having blocked a transmission line.

Your newspapers have upheld well our nation’s basic freedoms of speech and press. We would never deny Mr. Harris your forum. However, his frequent use of less than the truth and often total ignorance or misuse of facts in powerline-related writings have cast a dark shadow on his prizewinning credentials as a journalist. But more important, we feel, he has damaged our case by the confusion of totally unrelated matters and alienation of those whose good will and donations are still needed. Since Mr. Harris has not been among the significant contributors, the sum total of his efforts appears, to us, negative. Mr. Harris should not be disappointed with the effectiveness