Beilenson’s Mailers: Exploitation or Service?

* Rep. Anthony Beilenson is being less than honest when he denies that he uses the congressional “franking” privilege to send out campaign mail (“Beilenson Criticized Over Publicly Funded Mailers,” Feb. 10). It’s just too coincidental that he sends out his heaviest mail just before the cutoff date before an election or that he uses his campaign manager to put it together.

To also say, as his spokesman apparently did, that “his mailers are not politically motivated” is hilarious. He never used free campaign mail so heavily until he moved into a more conservative district, and most of his mailers have tried to artfully construct a more conservative image for Beilenson on issues like crime and illegal immigration. They are close to complete fabrications for nakedly political purposes.

Finally, Beilenson does not need such heavy use of taxpayer-funded mail to cover a “big, sprawling district.” This district is urban and compact: 70% of its residents live in one corner of the San Fernando Valley, and most of the rest are concentrated in the Conejo Valley. In fact, Beilenson just closed his Thousand Oaks district office ostensibly to “save money” (in reality, to punish that area for having voted against him 2 to 1). If he really wants to save, why not just cut out the political junk mail?

RICHARD SYBERT

Calabasas

Sybert opposed Beilenson in the November election in the 24th Congressional District.

* As a resident of Rep. Anthony Beilenson’s district for nearly 10 years, I feel qualified to respond to the charges of the National Taxpayer’s Union Foundation that the congressman’s mailers were primarily for election purposes (Feb. 10). In fact, the type and frequency of mailers that I have received from Congressman Beilenson over the years has been very consistent.

He sends a postcard-type mailer to announce the dates and locations of town meetings where he answers questions and provides information to his constituents. He also sends a letter about the topics discussed at the town meetings.

We also receive a questionnaire describing important legislation being considered and requesting our input. He follows that up with a report of the results of the questionnaire.

In 1994, an additional mailer was sent out after the earthquake explaining the various types of assistance available and giving addresses and phone numbers of the various agencies. I posted this mailer in my office, where many people were very grateful for the information provided. I noticed that a congressman from Florida had also spent a considerable sum and wondered if he was from an area affected by Hurricane Andrew, where similar mailings were used to assist the residents.

Their suggestion that Congressman Beilenson gained an unfair advantage in the recent election is rather absurd when in fact he was outspent by a rate of more than 2 to 1. Obviously, the people in this district know that Congressman Beilenson represents us, takes time to keep us informed and listens to our opinions.

LORRAINE PRICEMAN

Woodland Hills