[Vision2020] Legislative absences

[Earl H. Bennett]

I watched the debate a few days ago on V2020 about Rep. Tom Trail's excused
absences from the legislature with some interest.  Mr. Arnold seems
persistent in dwelling on Tom's health issues whether in good taste or
not.
 

I appreciate Debbie Gray's questioning of the validity of Mr. Arnold's
arguments.
 
A few weeks ago, Vera White (Inkster column, Daily News) blasted Rep. Mike
Nacarrato (D., Lewiston) for taking a 5-day vacation to Hawaii during the
2003 legislative session.  At 105 days, this was the longest session in
history and was prolonged over the debate of the 1% increase in the state
sales tax.   Mr. Nacarrato's absence was not the only one.  Since Mr.
Donovan seems so adept at keeping up with legislator's attendence records,
he can probably explain how Rep. Shirley Ringo was able to take off five
days (April 18-23, 2003) during the same session to go to Boston. This is 

especially interesting as Shirley was on the Rev and Tax Committee that was

deciding the 1% issue.