Paris, Brewer good for everyone

In my career as a farmer I have had the opportunity to engage in business relationships with two of our sitting PUD commissioners, Tom Flint and Larry Schaapman. From these associations I have come to know both men as ones of unquestionable integrity. I know that Grant County PUD is safe with their stewardship and judgment and the incoming members should be like-minded individuals. Patti Paris and Terry Brewer have this mentality. Their opponents, not so much.

I see Patti Paris and Terry Brewer as individuals that have every rate payer’s interest in mind. They see Grant County PUD and all users as a team. Their opponents have questioned the usefulness of having a cost of service study done to determine what is fair. I am wondering how Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Cox ascertained with their accountant and banker to arrive at production costs and selling prices of their various enterprises?

As an irrigator, I do not believe that God anointed me to have excessive preferential treatment over other rate classes. The success of my investment in a farm and land investment is dependent upon a healthy economy for everyone, irrigators, small business, residents and large industry.

The opponents of Patti Paris and Terry Brewer are using the amount of debt that the PUD is carrying as a scare tactic. Many businesses and households use debt and cash on hand in a balance as tools of wise fiscal management. The borrowing rates are historically cheap. Wall Street and the bond holders happen to love Grant County PUD. Is it wise to retire debt and not keep the mechanical integrity of the system up and have cash on hand for an emergency such as a concrete fracture at Wanapum Dam?

The voters should investigate the membership and the mission statement of the Ag Power Users Group. Is it about a team concept and fairness for all rate payers, or is it just about them?

I believe that voting for Patti Paris and Terry Brewer for PUD commissioners is voting that benefits everyone.

John O. Morris Jr.

Ephrata