THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 9, 1995 TAG: 9505090002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Another View
SOURCE: By SUSAN B. COFER
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
You really missed the boat, literally and figuratively. While your reporters and editors focused on Virginia's Secretary of Natural Resources Becky Norton Dunlop for not planting a tree on Earth Day (``What Earth Day?'' editorial, April 28 and ``Too much environmentalism, or not enough?'' news, April 22), Secretary Dunlop was accompanying members of the Elizabeth River Project on the Carrie B as we kicked off the second phase of our restoration efforts.
Staff writer Scott Harper was invited to join the cruise on the Elizabeth River and listen to Secretary Dunlop's keynote address, but he was not present. Perhaps if he or anyone from your newspaper had been on board, he or she would have seen and heard an entirely different Becky Norton Dunlop than the person you have portrayed.
In her address, Secretary Dunlop praised the efforts and accomplishments of the Elizabeth River Project and spoke with pride about being part of our Watershed Action Team. Among other things, she said:
``Governor Allen and I are working to bring innovative ideas to the Chesapeake Bay Program to enhance not only Virginia's tributaries but the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Elizabeth River is a vital system within this watershed. Every one of us here today contributes to the nutrients and contaminants that flow to the Bay. That is why we believe that Virginia's tributary strategies must have as their cornerstone a profound sense of individual responsibility.
``That sense of responsibility which has created the partnership I see here today is therefore a model for communities throughout Virginia and throughout the Bay's watershed. We see around us the vistas of a vital region equally dependent on its economic strengths and its natural resources. The two are inextricably linked. Only through our combined efforts will we ensure the long-term viability of both.''
You characterized Secretary Dunlop as ``not environmentalists' best friend.'' I do not think that is what her job as secretary of natural resources includes. I want her to represent all interests in the commonwealth of Virginia and make thoughtful decisions that reflect a balanced, common-sense approach.
As you can see from her remarks, Secretary Dunlop and Governor Allen seek to work with the citizens to promote a cleaner watershed while at the same time emphasizing individual responsibility and good stewardship.
You spoke about the ``good fight'' in your editorial, but I'm not sure that you recognize that the tactics in the fight have changed. A new environmentalism is sweeping the country.
Yes, certain regulations are necessary to protect the strides we've made toward cleaner water and air. But rather than looking solely to the government to regulate our way to a cleaner environment, this new environmentalism challenges every citizen to do his or her part to bring about positive changes.
Although I do not speak on behalf of the Elizabeth River Project, I believe that the ERP personifies this type of activism - where citizens and industry become partners with government officials to clean up our river.
Secretary Dunlop and the office of the governor have applauded our efforts. Contrary to your claims that Secretary Dunlop ``has no enthusiasm for continuing the good fight,'' she was on board the Carrie B to support our restoration efforts. Where were you? MEMO: Ms. Cofer lives in Virginia Beach.
by CNB