Now the bad news: In the last issue we reported the Colorado Legislature had passed HB06-1331, the Landscape Architects Professional Licensing Act, and it awaited Governor Bill Owens?EUR??,,????'?????< Colo. Gov. Vetoes Landscape Architects Professional Licensing Act)

We immediately put the news on landscapearchitect.com, along with the governor?EUR??,,????'?????<

This reminds me of our issue here in Virginia several years ago when Gov. Douglas Wilder wanted to omit us as a recognized profession in Virginia, mostly because (my understanding) there are not that many of us, so there must not be a need for our abilities. Landscape architects had to give multiple presentations and discussions to educate him about why landscape architects should be recognized by the state.

Jeff Collins, CLA
Roundcorner Studio
Senior planner-landscape architect
Richmond, V.A.

Well, governor, you missed a chance at taxing landscape architects that practice in your state. I will continue to do work in your state without paying tax. You are unaware of how bad your decision was and it is sad. You should be more concerned about the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Colorado. Colorado will continue to have untrained or poorly trained people selling the services of landscape architects, which will ultimately lead to more money spent by your citizens when they correct poorly designed construction projects.

Don Richardson, RLP
Landscape Architect
Atlanta, G.A.

Wow! Why not pass legislation to eliminate licensing for architects, engineers and others who practice in the realm of public safety? It is obvious that the well-meaning governor has not a clue what landscape architects do. Either he thinks they head up garden clubs, or maybe he has a friend who wants to practice without meeting qualifications! You can?EUR??,,????'?????<

Cassandra Wilday
Instructor, School of Landscape Architecture
Rutgers, State University of N.J.
Licensed LA in New Jersey (weak law) and New York (good law)

Editor: Thank you for exposure of this issue that we in Colorado have been working on for a long time. The Colorado legislature heard our argument and passed the bill through a series of committee and floor votes with a 2/3 bipartisan majority. Our term-limited governor unfortunately holds a political philosophy that portends to be ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Craig Coronato, ASLA
Denver, Colo.

Wow! Even South Carolina, one of the traditional last five in everything, sees the value of licensing professionals. It?EUR??,,????'?????<

Matthew Compton
City of Charleston Parks
Deputy Director
Charleston, S.C.

As a registered LA in Maryland for over 25 years, I can assure you that state regulation did not ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Claire Lee Williams, RLA
Senior landscape Architect
Morris & Ritchie Associates
Laurel, M.D.

I enjoy the articles and appreciate the succinct information. The Colo. governor?EUR??,,????'?????<