Players rebuttal letter to the San Antonio Express News
If you want to read the editorial that appeared
in the San Antonio Express News, click here.

A fellow player didn't like what he read in his local newspaper regarding the new Lotto Texas format. So, he sent them the letter below. For those of you who are asking me how and what to say to your papers, let this letter serve that purpose. It's an excellent letter.

May 4, 2003

Karen Adler
San Antonio Express-News
kadler@express-news.net

Dear Ms. Adler,

I just read your news story that appeared in the San Antonio Express-News this morning. I read it as posted on the MySanAntonio.com web site maintained by the paper. It was apparent to me that you should have done some work on the story beyond just printing the press release from the Texas Lottery Commission.

It was also apparent to me that your story was written to reflect one side only on this game change. Perhaps you are unaware that there is another side to this story. Many people have opposed the change. Some have asked for an investigation into how the change occurred because it appears that there were several laws violated.

The Texas Government Code requires that the public be allowed to comment on any rule change proposed by a governmental agency. It further requires that these comments will be given full consideration before the rule can be adopted. I do not believe that this occurred with this rule change.

The Texas Lottery Commission ordered the new lottery machines required for the new game before the rule was even considered by the commission during a meeting. It ordered the new balls for the game during the comment period. If the public comment was to be given due consideration, then the Texas Lottery Commission committed a felony of misapplication of fiduciary property by purchasing the machines when they money could be wasted by having the rule declined due to public opposition.

Now the question arises as to how well the rule was supported by the public. Over 6,000 people who are regular lottery players opposed this change and sent messages to the TLC saying so. Over 3,000 people have written to their legislators asking them to overturn the change. Several of the legislators have written to the Texas Lottery Commission either opposing the change or requesting that it be reconsidered. Some legislators, along with many of the players, are calling for an investigation into how this rule was adopted.

I would also point out that this is not the first time the Texas Lottery Commission has ignored the players, with bad results. In 2000, the TLC changed the Lotto Texas game by adding four balls to the game. The stated reason for the change was, like this time, to increase sales. Note that players objected and sales dropped instead of climbing. I am predicting that sales will also drop this time.

I am requesting that you check further into this matter and consider another story showing the other side. You may start the research by checking the Lotto Report web site. Dawn Nettles is the publisher of "The Lotto Report" and has compiled a recap of all actions showing the dates when each action took place. This recap is located at http://www.lottoreport.com/legislators.htm . It also has some links to letters written by Gov. Perry and various senators and representatives. You may also contact me at the above address or telephone number if I may be of further help or answer any questions.

Sincerely,

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