Lawmaker's adviser ignored the law himself

To the editor:

How many times have we heard conservative politicians gripe about environmental regulations, claiming they are an unnecessary burden to business owners? A local businessman and Republican strategist has demonstrated why environmental laws continue to be necessary.

As recently reported in the Southeast Missourian, David Barklage admitted to environmental violations associated with gasoline storage tanks at a service station he owned in 1998. Some 3,000 gallons of gasoline leaked from the storage tanks five months after Barklage had been cited for environmental violations and failure to install a required leak detection system. By choosing to ignore the law, Barklage contributed to the formation of a potential gasoline bomb in the city's sewers. Fortunately, this threat was detected by residents and defused by firefighters and state personnel before an explosion occurred.

Since Barklage is the current chief of staff to state Sen. Peter Kinder, it appears we have someone who ignores the law advising our lawmaker. It is no wonder citizens tend to question the veracity of what these politicians claim.

JIM MAGINEL

Cape Girardeau