[InHam] Re: SB109: Zealous lobbyist gets bad reception

[James S. Sellers]

This last week's events have not been good for the Amateur Radio
Antenna Regulation bill, SB 109.  David Spoelstra N9KT had been 
very helpful in getting the bill as far as it went.  David completely 
denies making any threats to anyone at anytime.  At this late time in 
the legislative session, many of our legislators get a bit tense over 
completing the necessary budget allocations for Indiana before the 
session ends.

Both Senator Anich and I were shocked by the news that the committee
meeting had been cancelled, and why it had been cancelled.  I spent 
over 1 1/2 hours in State Senator Anich's office last Wednesday
gathering facts and trying to understand what happened prior to the
scheduled committee meeting of the House Technology and Research
and Developement Committee. 

It is entirely possible that Dave walked into a "political minefield" that
was set for him.  He had put a lot of energy into talking to many of
the Indiana Senators and Representatives in support of SB 109. 
All of the facts of last Wednesday may never be known.

I do not have any further explanations of what happened on
April 2, 2003.  I can state that Dave Spoelstra is suffering greatly
from the tons of "hate" mail and "nasty" phone calls that he is 
receiving.  Also, he realizes that his effectiveness as State 
Governmnent Liaison for the Indiana Section is at an end, and I have
cancelled his ARRL appointment as a result.

James S. Sellers K9ZBM
Indiana ARRL Section Manager
54676 County Rd. 8
Middlebury, IN 46540-8710
(574) 825-5425   k9zbm@arrl.org