In regard to the April 20 editorial, "Legislative Rankings Are Troubling Indeed," I wholeheartedly agree -- but only with the headline.

Lobbyists made up 69 percent of the respondents to the survey. A lobby is defined as "a body of persons seeking to influence legislators on behalf of a particular interest." I think most folks would agree that lobbies attempt to exert too much influence on our elected officials -- mostly by donating funds to the officials' campaigns.

I don't see lobbies and lobbyists as being positive influences on our government.

I would consider it a good thing if lobbyists were to give me poor grades on how well I met their expectations.

Surveys are quirky. Did you review how the questions were written? Was there any bias in them?

Finally, your comments on Rep. Joe Boylan's problem with alcohol are shocking. Hiding behind "some observers ... wonder" is a coward's way to take a cheap shot. I wonder, if you were ever to have a traumatic experience in your life, would you be receptive to someone offering you public advice on how to handle your difficulty?

I have talked to Rep. Boylan, and I support him. He is straightforward about his past mistakes, and he is addressing them in a positive manner. And as far as his effectiveness in the state House, I would remind you that he serves the citizens of Moore County and North Carolina -- not the lobbies nor the press. Just ask those residents of Moore County whom he has helped in his first two years how effective he has been.

I hope he continues to shun those special interest lobbies and continues to get bad marks from them.

Doug Aitken

Pinehurst