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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 3, 1993                   TAG: 9304050238
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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MAIL BACK BOUCHER'S REPORT

RECENTLY, every person in the 9th District received a report from Congressman Rick Boucher informing us of his legislative accomplishments. This mailing was sent using the congressional franking privilege, which allows congressmen to mail unsolicited information to constituents using taxpayer's money.

First, six out of the seven articles boast about new federal spending in the 9th District. While most Americans are demanding that we cut federal expenditures to balance our out-of-control budget, Congressman Boucher enthusiastically embraces more government spending.

The report also reveals that pork-barrel legislation is still alive and well. We all understand the devastating effect wasteful government spending has on our budget. This mailer reveals our congressman's desire to feed at this trough.

We need to also consider the amount of tax money required to send this report to every citizen in the district. Every mailing of this type should include a list of the expenses incurred to produce and distribute it.

I challenge 9th District citizens to do with this report the same thing I did with it. Put it in an envelope and send it back to Congressman Boucher. Along with it, ask him to quit wasting hard-earned tax dollars, discuss national issues and explain his voting record to us, and in his next "report" please include a list of 10 items he recommends to be cut from the federal budget besides the military. We can all consider this our "report" to our representative. L. GARRETT WEDDLE RADFORD

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