Expressing Concerns Over Proposed Rate Increases
Expressing Concerns Over Proposed Rate Increases
Editor,
I am writing this letter to protest the proposed increase of sewer rates. I have three concerns for not supporting the current draft proposal to increase sewer fees funding the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility.
Concern No. 1: Some of the current Hollister political leaders were involved with the situation that has brought the community this problem. Their vision has been lacking for four years and the community’s trust level has eroded to a level that their leadership may be ineffective. There must be alternative plans proposed and the low community trust level repaired immediately. In the past, too many political promises have not been kept. The Hollister residents must seek political accountability.
Concern No. 2: If the Hollister growth rate is above 2.6 percent annually, then the Hollister residents will experience a reduced sewer fee. So, if the annual growth rate is 5.6 percent, would the residents experience an even bigger reduction in sewer fees? What interest group would benefit the most from doubling the annual growth rate? How much would they contribute to reduce the fees for all Hollister residents?
Concern No. 3: The current proposal offers two base sewer rates, residential and the number of pupils attending a particular school. A residential home inhabited by one person is charged the same sewer rate as a six-person household. This seems unfair and inequitable. Shouldn’t the residences be charged according to usage?
Hollister definitely has a problem and it seems that the leadership has forgotten citizen input. Thus, there is fear, distrust and a feeling that input is not wanted nor valued. I urge the Hollister residents to write your protest and send it to the City Clerk of Hollister, 375 Fifth St., Hollister Ca, 95023 before Sept. 5, and express your opinion at the 6:30pm meeting Sept. 5, City Hall. Demand that your input be heard and valued. The Hollister politicians must rebuild the trust with the people before any improvements can be made to the sewer system or any other project.
Tim Shellito
Hollister
Relay For Life Deserved
More Extensive Coverage
Editor,
Last Tuesday’s letter to the editor from Rosemary Nossett in regards to recognition for her Relay For Life team Captain Hilda Willis prompted me to wonder why there didn’t seem to much coverage at all for this year’s event.
I read the Free Lance online, so perhaps I somehow missed the articles.
The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event and it raises money nationwide with this campaign.
As a member of the Hearts on Crusade Relay for Life team, I would like to recognize all the relay captains for the time and effort they put into organizing these teams. It is a difficult and time-consuming position. I would like thank our Hearts on Crusade Captain Sharon Taylor and Co-Captain Anne Rovella. Our inspiration comes from our past Captain Carol Tortorelli, who is a breast cancer survivor.
This is a great event and a special way to honor and share memories of loved ones affected by this disease.
Marie Kroeger
Hearts on Crusade
Hollister Relay for Life
