The California Public Utilities Commission just sent out a press release reminding people of the severe restrictions on robocalls in California, yet we have had at least four calls this year from Congressman Jerry Lewis inviting residents of the 41st Congressional District to a "town hall meeting."

I find three things funny.

First, why now? Is Jerry now, after 30 years, concerned about constituents? Why not have a town hall actually here in the district? Or better, a debate with Tim Prince at a junior college or Cal State San Bernardino. I guess that would mean actually traveling here to the district.

Second, why is he paying for more than 100,000 calls each Saturday? Does he need to save money to keep paying for his lawyers?

Third, I guess Lewis figures he is above the law on all things, like a

$1 million earmark for a park near his wife's townhouse in Washington.

He is called the King of Pork with his wasteful spending when the country has trillions of dollars of debt. The Sun has reported about all his former staff members who received lucrative lobbying jobs with firms that, in turn, lobby for and receive lucrative government contracts from Jerry.

I am wondering not if, but when, the Justice Department will finally reveal Jerry Lewis' scandals like Tom Delay, Duke Cunningham, Bob Ney, and now Ted Stevens.

Jerry may have started out as a shrewd politician bringing home the bacon to the district, but now it is clear that we cannot afford his wasteful and perhaps illegal use of our tax dollars.

PATRICK KAHLER
Highland