Lobbyist: Newspaper industry caught napping in Annapolis | READER COMMENTARY

I suppose that one should not be surprised that The Baltimore Sun applauded Gov. Wes Moore for vetoing a bill that would’ve allowed decedent estates to avoid the requirement of a publication in your newspaper and thus affect your bottom line (“Kudos to Gov. Wes Moore for standing up for the Fourth Estate,” May 24). You should remember that when you blame various industries for trying to protect themselves from legislative initiatives.

What is remarkable, however, is the editorial’s assertion that somehow the legislation was sprung on unsuspecting lobbyists for the newspaper industry who just happened to miss the introduction of the bill and both public hearings on the bill.

Since every bill in the legislature is published and is subject to announced public hearings where interested parties are allowed to testify, it is hard to understand this complaint. Perhaps your guys or girls were just asleep at the switch.

— Joseph “Jay” A. Schwartz, III, Towson

The writer, a lawyer, has more than 40 years experience as a lobbyist in Annapolis.

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.