Washington Political Pundits Share Their Views at Legislative Day

A highlight of NPMA Legislative Day was a series of speeches given by prominent Washington figures, including former Chairman of the U.S. Joints Chief of Staff Richard Myers. (Photo: Brad Harbison)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A highlight of NPMA Legislative Day was a series of speeches given by prominent Washington figures, including NBC News’ David Gregory; former Chairman of the U.S. Joints Chief of Staff Richard Myers; and political columnist and TV commentator Tony Blankley.

Gregory, whose presentation was sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, noted that political news coverage is becoming just as polarized as politics in the U.S., and the he tries hard to be an “honest broker.” For example, a hot issue right now is the uproar over a Dubai company located in the United Arab Emirates wanting to purchase the operating rights to six U.S. ports. Gregory said the challenge is to report this issue based on facts (e.g., a thorough review of the company Dubai company) and not to be influenced by the politics that are involved.

As former Chairman of the U.S. Joints Chief of Staff under both President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush, Myers provided attendees with an apolitical perspective of issues such as homeland security and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Myers said U.S. efforts to fight the war on terror are concentrated in three areas: 1) defense; 2) offense and 3) long-term strategy. Myers, whose presentation was sponsored by FMC, said he believes progress is being made in these areas, but the U.S. is just in the beginning stages of the war on terror and the challenge will will be to convince an impatient U.S. public to stay the course.

Blankley, who appears on programs such as the McLaughlin Group, spoke about the various challenges the current White House faces, including the port controversy. Blankley’s presentation was sponsored by Syngenta Professional Products.

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Other news and notes for Legislative Day 2006.

• Legislative Day kicked off with a series of roundtable discussions sponsored by the Leadership Develop Group (LDG). PCOs used these opportunities to engage in dialogue on everything from technical issues such as bed bugs to business-related issues such as developing an exit plan.
• NPMA’s newest group, Minorities in Pest Management, had a strong presence at Legislative Day. MPM held a reception, participated in the LDG roundtable groups and held an afternoon session focusing on business-related issues facing minorities in business and in the pest control industry.
• Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap kicked off the Monday luncheon with a powerful rendition of “God Bless America.”
• Copesan Services presented Pi Chi Omega, the national fraternity for pest management professionals, with a check for $1,750. The check is for the Pi Chi Omega Scholarship Fund. Copesan Corporate Entomologist Dr. Jim Sargent, Copesan’s Mike Katz, Pi Chi Omega Executive Director Vern Toblan, and NPMA's Greg Baumann were on hand for the check presentation.
• NPMA solicited donations for their Political Action Committee (NPMA Pest-PAC) at Legislative Day. Those who donated were entered in a drawing to win a flat screen TV valued at $1,800. Chuck Tindol of Allgood Pest Solutions won the raffle but then gave it back to NPMA to be auctioned off. Tindol’s gesture netted an additional $1,400 for the NPMA Pest-PAC.