There is a new sheriff in town. The FCC has appointed Laura Smith to take Riley Hollingsworth's former position in enforcement.
The FCC's "Special Counsel for Amateur Radio" slot has gone unfilled for 6 months thus she has a backlog of work ahead of her. Fortunately she is up to the task. Laura is a seasoned FCC veteran with a broad communications background at both the FCC and in the private sector. The FCC has been slow to fill the position and for a while we wondered if Riley's successor would ever be named. It looks like they were waiting for the right person. Now that Laura is on the job, let's give her our full support. If you have an enforcement issue, she may be reached by e-mail at: laura.sm...@fcc.gov Amateur radio has always been somewhat "self policed" but when peer pressure is not enough to maintain civility, then a stronger hand is needed. The FCC has the muscle to demand compliance of the few wayward operators. We can help also. Our bands are not perfect, newer licensee's need guidance on how to properly share the many bands, frequencies and modes of operation that we radio amateurs are privileged to use. Reach out and guide (elmer) someone so that they do not become an "enforcement" issue. That is part of elmering also; it is not just about technical items. I know that some of you are wondering, "Is Laura a ham?" No, not yet, but she does have the study guides. If you attend the Dayton Hamvention 2009 - May 15-17, you will have a chance to visit with her. We welcome Laura to this position and wish her success. 73, Terry Graves, K7FE Editor QRZ.COM James KB7TBT www.kb7tbt.com www.ne4ga.org www.myspace.com/kb7tbt
