VIEWPOINT: Honoring Their Legacy

In the past seven months, two important pest control industry leaders have passed away — Bob Russell (see story, http://www.pctonline.com/news/news.asp?ID=281) and Paul Adams (see story, http://www.pctonline.com/news/news.asp?ID=547). The similarities between the two are striking. Both were former presidents of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Both were from the South. Both were PCT/Syngenta Leadership Award winners. But more important, both were staunch supporters of pest control government relations.

"Probably nobody did as much to elevate the visibility and importance of government relations for the industry than Paul Adams," said Bob Rosenberg, director of government affairs, NPMA. Russell was "a pillar in the association," said Rob Lederer, executive director, NPMA. "He was one of the pioneers in establishing relationships with EPA."

This month, on pages 86 and 87, we have a photo review of NPMA’s 14th Annual Legislative Day, an event long supported by Russell and others committed to promoting the industry’s legislative agenda. At this year’s conference, attended by nearly 500 PCOs from throughout the United States, Bob Russell’s son, Dale Russell, a television reporter from Atlanta, spoke to attendees about his father’s love for the industry. It was a fitting tribute to one of the finest leaders in the history of NPMA.

Also this month, on pages 16 and 19, we feature a story about how Paul Adams, a week and a half before he died, attended a reception in his honor. The reception announced the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center’s plans to create the Paul K. Adams Endowed Chair in Urban Entomology at LSU’s Burden Research Station in Baton Rouge. The Endowed Chair will be a living testament to Adams’ personal and professional legacy.

Today, the pest management industry faces a struggle like it never has before. The industry has hit constant roadblocks in its uphill battle against local, state and federal legislators. The Food Quality Protection Act has changed the regulatory landscape forever, much to the detri-ment of pest management professionals.

Since being elected to office, President George W. Bush has been criticized by environmentalists for not taking a harder line on various environmental issues. For example, Bush has decided not to support Bill Clinton’s stance on global warming, angering environmentalists. In the face of such public criticism, Bush may feel compelled to give ground on other environmental issues, specifically pesticide regulation.

These two men — Bob Russell and Paul Adams — dedicated most of their professional lives to working to enhance the regulatory climate for pest management professionals. What better way to honor their legacy than to take up the fight yourself and support NPMA and its position on such issues?

The author is editor of PCT Magazine. She can be reached at jdorsch@pctonline.com.