Friends and foes (continued)

Senate of Virginia

May 26, 1993
Ms. Rosemary Shahan
CARS Foundation

Dear Rosemary:

I learned of your recent decision to return to California with mixed emotions; saddened by the recognition of Virginia's loss of your vision and leadership; happy that you have had the opportunity to relocate to California.

However, I did not want you to part without an affirmative expression of how much your activities in Virginia have contributed to the safety and economic benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth. In addition to being a good friend, you have been a person my colleagues in the Senate could count on to combat the big auto manufacturers with the truth.

I particularly want to recognize the highly effective leadership you provided to our legislative efforts on the successful Lemon Law and to improve occupant protection for light trucks, vans and mini-vans…

Members of the Virginia General Assembly strongly looked to your analysis on consumer related issues and strongly valued and supported your recommendations.

As you depart on this new phase of your life, please accept my grateful appreciation for your invaluable services to the Virginia legislative and regulatory processes, and my best wishes for your happiness and continued successes.

Sincerely,

Charlie

Charles L. Waddell
Chairman, Senate Transportation Committee

 

"Taking on the Auto Industry"

Government and industry spokesmen say Shahan should not be underestimated, although it would be easy to do so. The Ohio native is a willowy stawberry blonde, polite and unassuming. She speaks in a soft voice.

'She's tenacious,' said David Collins, assistant general counsel for General Motors in Detroit.

'She brings the state of Virginia tremendous experience and background in dealing with the auto industry,''said John J. Woodcock, an attorney and assistant majority leader of Connecticut's House of Representatives, and the sponsor of the first lemon law passed by a state. 'She may not have a legal background to fall back on, but she knows where the bodies are buried,' Woodcock said.

"I don't believe she's fanatical. I think she believes very strongly in what she does,' said Leonard Alaimo, customer satisfaction manager for Ford."

– Roanoke Times and World-News, May 8, 1988

 

Nader Letter

"I want to commend you for your initiative. And you may not have financial resources, but you've got something more important, which is the determination to help other people in the important area of auto safety and auto lemons."

– Ralph Nader, February 3, 1983 letter