Concerns of a Winslow sewer ratepayer | Letters | May 15

Published 11:49 am Friday, May 15, 2009

I am a Winslow sewer utility ratepayer and I do not believe that the Bainbridge Ratepayers Alliance is representing my interests. It has appointed itself as my spokesperson without my authorization.

The alliance recently filed a lawsuit objecting to the bond financing for the completion of the construction of the Winslow sewage treatment plant. The lawsuit alleges that the city is borrowing more than it needs for the project and that the sewer utility is paying more than its fair share of city employee costs.

I have listened to citizen input and discussion on this issue at council meetings. I am convinced the council and city employees are acting responsibly in the best interests of the utility ratepayers and Bainbridge Island citizens. The lawsuit is costing the utility ratepayers in litigation expenses and delayed bond financing.

It will cost Winslow sewer ratepayers even more if it delays the February 2010 completion date of the sewage plant upgrades. It is unfortunate when individuals feel that they must sue their own city utility instead of working cooperatively with the city to address their issues.

I believe their lawsuit is a disservice to me and many other Winslow sewer ratepayers, since their concerns could have been addressed in other ways. Although it has been slow in doing it, the city is now creating a citizens Utility Advisory Committee to examine utility rates, policies and issues raised in the community.

Herb Hethcote

Commodore Lane