PUD ELECTION

Reader appreciates commissioners

Recent remarks questioning the proposed increased power rates by the PUD commissioners and the increased costs are due to a short water year include "if it is a short water year why are they spilling water over the dams?" Before people jump to conclusion that the PUD commissioners are not making sound judgment calls they need to research the regulations imposed on the PUD by the federal government. Unfortunately the PUD commissioners have no say about the amount of water to be spilled but are required to spill under the Endangered Species Act. The ESA trumps all other plans or actions. The National Academy of Sciences was commissioned to do a study regarding operations of the Columbia River System. The report stated that river flows were a critical component of recovering the endangered salmon and recommended that operations meet certain flow targets. Therefore requiring the Mid Columbia PUD's to spill in spite of is a short water year. Saving endangered fish is the reasons for spilling water over the dams rather than allowing it go through the turbines to generate power. Not a choice made by Commissioners of the Mid Columbia PUD's (Grant, Chelan and Douglas Counties).

I urge you to talk with candidates who are running for commissioner positions this November to find out their perspective. Find out what can and can't be done as they represent you on the Grant County commission. Go with an open mind to a forum where you can listen and hear their positions or give them a call. They will gladly talk with you about your concerns. The commissioners need to hear from you with a constructive but not a confrontational discussion.

Alice Parker

Royal City