July 15, 1999

The Honorable Gray Davis
State Capitol Building
Sacramento
CA 95814

Attn: Dario Frommer, Appointments Secretary

Dear Governor Davis;

We are writing as representatives of the Board of Directors of the Autism
Society of Los Angeles.  Our membership currently exceeds 1300 persons from
all over California, representing people with autism, their families,
professionals who know, respect and help them manage a difficult disability
and others with an interest in and knowledge of developmental disabilities.
We are strong advocates for the rights (and responsibilities) of our
members.  We believe those who direct so much of what the State of
California, through the Department of Developmental Services, does under the
mandates of the Lanterman Act and related legislation should be people with
a long and intimate knowledge of developmental disabilities.

We support the appointments of  Philip Campbell and Mary Cerreto to be
Director and Deputy Director of the Department of Developmental
Disabilities.  They have the qualifications we see as essential to serve
California well.  Each has directed and worked with agencies which have long
been established to serve people with developmental disabilities.  They
bring a forward looking vision of integrating and expanding opportunities
within home communities for this population.  To live in isolation has been
the historic fate of our disabled children.  Fortunately, we now know that
they are capable of living and thriving with their normal peers.  Mr.
Campbell and Dr. Cerreto would bring passion and expertise to the tasks
which California must complete under present law and help direct us in
innovative, person centered solutions for the next several years.

Please give deep consideration to these two excellent people.  Thank you for
your attention in this matter.  If you wish to contact us, please call.

Sincerely,


Ann L. Snowhook                         Connie Lapin
Legislative Co-Chair                            Legislative Co-Chair