Letters to the Editor

Powers remain limited for Medicaid fraud unit

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Jeff Schapiro's column, "Ken's Cops proposal alarms state Capitol," reported that some are concerned Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is seeking General Assembly approval to let 40 investigators in his Medicaid fraud unit carry guns. He is seeking this authority because, in carrying out their official duties for the state, these investigators are increasingly in high-crime areas and confronting armed individuals.

Some clarification is in order. First, Schapiro states that sheriffs and state police do not like the idea. I have not polled sheriffs, but the state police have not come out against the bill, the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police openly endorses it, and the Virginia Crime Commission has voted unanimously in support of it.

One lobbyist is quoted in the column saying the unit's authority would be unlimited and claims it could be used by the attorney general as a weapon against political foes. The reality is that the Medicaid fraud unit's authority through this proposed legislation, the Virginia Code, and the federal grant that funds it, only allow it to investigate Medicaid fraud and patient abuse and neglect. Political corruption is and will continue to be investigated by state police and the FBI.

Schapiro also pointed out that state police investigate auto accident insurance fraud and can look into Medicaid fraud. While true, the investigators of the attorney general's Medicaid fraud unit possess years of training and the unique expertise to investigate complex medical fraud cases, which has made it recognized as one of the top fraud units in the country. To have the state police investigate Medicaid fraud would be a wasteful duplication of efforts and costly to taxpayers.

Most of the unit's investigators were recently law enforcement officers, and those who were not would receive the same training as police officers. This bill has little to no fiscal impact and is about protecting state employees who investigate fraud against the commonwealth and crimes against the infirmed – crimes that increasingly involve gangs and organized crime. Thirty-six other states' fraud units have already recognized the daily dangers that their investigators are exposed to and have given them the authority to protect themselves. It is time Virginia does the same.

Brian Gottstein,

Director of Communication,

Office of the Attorney General of Virginia.

Richmond.

Bald eagle sighting was lifelong highlight

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I have lived in the Bryan Park/Lakeside area for 62 years — all of my life, minus my military time. To my astonishment, I witnessed something I never thought I would see in my neighborhood.

One morning while I was sitting in my patio in the back of the house reading The Times-Dispatch, a huge bird with a tremendous wingspan flew directly toward me, lifting in time to clear the roof. I went to the front door and across the street in the highest tree the bird was perched on a limb near the top. I grabbed my binoculars, focused the lenses and brought the bird into view. I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw it — a mature, statuesque, magnificent bald eagle surveying its surroundings.

It was as tall as my arm is long, and I watched it for almost 30 minutes, amazed and thrilled by its beauty. I have never seen one in the wild, let alone my neighborhood. Seeing it perched in that tree, I fully understand why it was chosen as our national symbol — it was absolutely awe-inspiring.

I managed to take a couple of pictures before it left. When it took flight, it headed toward Bryan Park and the city beyond, destined no doubt to return to its nest along the James River. It was a sight that I will never forget. I look skyward and into the trees every time I venture outdoors, hoping to spot that beautiful eagle once more.

Clyde L. Hughes Jr.

Henrico.

Prove to her that voter ID laws discriminate

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I can't help but wonder what The Times-Dispatch, the mayor of Richmond and black legislators know that ordinary citizens of Richmond don't about Republicans not wanting to allow blacks, Hispanics and other minorities to vote.

It is a put-down to minority communities to assume they don't have picture IDs. How do these enlightened people know that minorities don't drive cars or have some other form of identification? The fraud is being perpetrated against the majority by these very vocal leaders crying wolf every time the matter comes up.

There can be fraud against the legitimate voter as well. In 2008, someone filled out a form to the Registrar to change my voting name. I didn't do that, and it was caught before the election. If that wasn't fraud, I don't know what is. A picture ID might have caught that fraudulent voter had it actually taken place.

I would like the naysayers to bring forth proof that the effect of the voter ID will fall most heavily on blacks and other minorities. If you can, then I will stand corrected. If you can't, then back off. Putting forth one example that took place in Maryland doesn't prove the same thing will happen in Virginia.

Dorothy T. Edwards.

Richmond.