■> candidates of both parties. I hope yoft-* will

candidates of both parties. I hope yoft-* will do the same as you receive antf? print Delegate Jay Katzen’s “Report,, from Richmond.” * '

As a member of the Democratic Committee in Fauquier County, I think we Democrats deserve equal space to give our views on Delegate Katzen’s reports and activities, just as President Clinton’s weekly radio broadcast is' countered by an immediate Republican response. TvJ

Locally, it would be fairest if bothLj the reports and the responses to them * were to be printed in the same issue sof that concerned citizens could compart* their substance. And it would be best if the response were to come from the • Rappahannock Democratic Committee since the majority votQ itj* Rappahannock went to th£ Democratic candidate, Sue Scheer. In the absence of such an arrangement.. however, I hope you will print mj responses to Mr. Katzen’s Report.

This year, Mr. Katzen’s first report places little burden on the respondent. By quoting Governor Allen, he seems to promise rational scrutiny of government expenditures and, in a round-u about way, seems to express and/ understanding that he was elected to represent his constituents. Rather than promising to kick his opponents’ teeth down “their whiny throats” (last” year’s Republican platform). He himself does a little whining about com-" mittee assignments. But between the * lines one can see that he knows thfe” Speaker of the House is well within his rights under the current rules1/1 Indeed, we see no hint that those rules1 would be changed under a Republican majority. N

Our delegate encourages us all to--" visit him in Richmond but does notC invite us to hear him and the other people interested in being the/ Republican candidate for Lt,. Governor when they speak at a Republican gathering later this month1 or to visit his hospitality suite that, according to the Northern Virginia Daily of Jan. 16, will be set up on that occasion. On one hand, that may be because he is slightly embarrassed to” be seen to be starting his next campaign for higher office one month into ; his new term as delegate. On the other hand, it would be the first time any- ' thing ever embarrassed Mr. Katzen.

It is impossible to reconcile Mr. Katzen’s newfound realization that he was elected to represent his constituents with his apparent zeal for higher office. To gain that office he will have to serve masters outside the 31st District. We may all be assured' that Mr. Katzen will not be embarrassed to do that! ,

J.M. STONE

Bealeton

Editor's Note: The Rappahannock __ News does not plan for any regularly published response to Del. Katzen s weekly reports from Richmond but wel- > comes letters in response from readers.'