Pennsylvania Senate Majority Whip Jeff Piccola, R-Dauphin, is right in opposing Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal to eliminate funding for the Black Fly Control and Research Program in the 2005-06 state budget. A total of 1,700 miles of state waterways have been treated annually under the program, which is a joint effort between state and county governments. Almost half of the state's 67 counties participate.

But it wasn't necessary for Piccola to exaggerate state residents' reaction to the governor's plan. Piccola's statement implies that black fly control is an issue consistently dominating the public's attention.

He might like that to be the case. If black flies were a source of constant attention, state taxpayers would have less time to think about the generous pay and perks lawmakers receive for their partisan bickering that thwarts legislative accomplishments.

However, if Piccola conducted a poll, he probably would confirm that few state residents are aware of the black fly eradication effort and, even if they were, many wouldn't be able to pick out a black fly in a flying-insect "lineup."

That isn't what Piccola would like those who read or hear his statement to believe.

"This is shocking news," Piccola said. "I am certain that all residents of the state join me in dismay over this proposal. Eliminating this program is both shortsighted and insensitive, and once again calls into question this governor's leadership and sincerity."

There was no indication in Butler County last week that buses were in the process of being chartered for a mass protest in front of the governor's mansion or office. And, there were no reports of fly swatter and flypaper panic buying in anticipation of a bug-infested summer.

Likewise, there were no reports that word was spreading to other states that visiting Pennsylvania in the future might be an uncomfortable way to spend a vacation.

There was no indication neighboring states were already making plans to set up, or beef up, black fly-control efforts to confront this "plague" emanating from shortsighted, irresponsible budget preparation on the part of the Keystone State governor.

Yet Piccola would have people think otherwise.

"In addition to hampering outdoor activities of residents, this irresponsible and shortsighted budget cut will have major ripple effects on tourism," Piccola said. "Our tourism industry is the second-largest in Pennsylvania, providing tens of billions of dollars in revenue and sustaining hundreds of thousands of jobs. Opportunities for tourism growth cannot be replaced, and cutting back black fly control undermines our efforts to promote this great destination.

"All Pennsylvanians should be offended."

Probably some residents are, now that the news of this budget-cut item has reached the public.

But instead of making the absurd statement that "this proposal also implies that he (Rendell) does not intend to spend time here this summer enjoying the wonderful place we call home," Piccola should have merely been content to muster support among his colleagues to eliminate the proposal in upcoming budget deliberations.

Many other proposals in the governor's budget are destined to be modified or eliminated, while proposals from lawmakers will be added to what the governor has presented. That's the budget routine that the General Assembly lives by.

Piccola is right when he says that the black fly eradication effort "gives us a level of freedom from May through September that cannot be replaced." However, some residents might disagree with his claim that state residents "enjoy a much higher quality of life because of black fly suppression."

Some taxpayers believe that the quality of life in the state would be much better if Piccola and his colleagues were as adept at reducing state spending, including legislative perks, and lightening the tax load with which individuals and businesses are burdened, as they are at leveling shallow, partisan criticism.

Piccola should put down his fly swatter, control his disgust and redirect his efforts at fashioning a compromise budget that reflects the best interests of the state residents - even regarding the black fly.