ELEPHANT BILL NEWS FROM MASS.: FOWARDED BY jgelephant

From Gary Payne - 10/20/07
Mass Bill 2002

To Bob Kitchen:

There was no vote. The Wednesday action was just a hearing. The longer it takes now, the better, according to lobbyists and the RBBB interests. We experienced that here in CT as well. Historically this legislation does very poorly if it's not quickly sneaked in. That is my opinion....but that is pretty much what happens.

After sitting all day and listening to the testimony of both sides, I cannot see how any reasonable and logical thinking adult could ever vote for this. I hope I am right.

Gary

Read on....

Subj: Re: Mass bill
Date: 10/19/2007 9:39:33 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: PTGCP
To: pdgutheil@earthlink.net



Paul & Diane Gutheil:

The most accurate manner for me to answer your question is to say:

We did the very best that we have ever done. Every point was well made. We outnumbered the opposition. About 35-40 of us. About 20-25 of them. RBBB and Big E, the OABA, the CFA, the EMA, and a number of individuals all testified pro-circus. We organized a bit in the hallways...and honestly we made about every point as well as ever made. Fr. Hogan even spoke to the issue of discrimination against the circus. He got some grief from hecklers...

Their "star" Ms Archelle Hundley (disgruntled 6 week RBBB employee) was forced to admit that her expenses were paid by PETA. A few others admitted similarly. Their pre hearing press conference, attended by Don Horowitz and I (we forced ourselves to remain silent) was unremarkable. I don't think a single reporter attended.

Ms Hundley gives the same speech she gave in CT, word for word, right down to the whimper and the teardrop at precisely the same moment each time. I said to MaryLou Kelly.....here it comes....5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....bingo.

RBBB opens in Bridgeport Wednesday night. That is the biggest protest of the year. We get up to 65 AR's there from 3-4 competing groups. They hate each other. Don & I will be there with pro-circus signs. Possibly joined by 2 others. We'll see. We will be joined by Wil Hevey and his searchlight dislaying "Save the Circus" signs. No longer defensive, we are on the offense. We intend to campaign against Diana Urban ,and if we can defeat her, we'll crow that politicians should not seek office for the purpose of seeking special interest legislation, unless they want to gamble their careers.

Thank you Paul & Diane for honering us with your presence for our tent's 70th! We are a "close" bunch. We meet monthly (and often in between) and this bit of adversity has brought us closer together.

See you down the road. Thank you for all you do for the circus. It makes a difference.

Regards, Gary & Lisa Payne