Letter to the Editor: "Electric power is too important in our lives to be messing with the reliability we have now"

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Dave Ohlert of Decorah):

"Isn't it funny (not that funny!) that the last Letter to the Editor I wrote about electrical pricing versus water/sewer pricing just happened to be about the same time the City of Decorah was considering a 30 percent increase in water rates and a 25 percent increase in sewer rates?  The city council tabled it, but don't worry—it will be back soon and we will get it.  I remember being told that this wouldn't happen with a new sewer system—just like I was told the same with a municipal power utility.  Think about it.  

I was also told that in the event of a storm and power outage, that "a municipal utility:" would have all kinds of help from surrounding power companies to restore our power.  Yah, right!  After they are done servicing their own area they'll come and help us get our power on and then send a big, fat bill for it, not to mention all the extra time we spend without power.  Guess who will pay for that?  Like the sound of that?  Maybe days or weeks in the dark instead of minutes or a couple of hours.  Alliant crews know the system and will be able to draw other Alliant crews for speedy help without charging us extra.

So don't sit there and let this vote pass without getting out and voting and wondering, after the fact, what the heck just happened.  I hope I don't have to say 'I told you so' in the area of service, too.

Whether you want to admit it or not, electric power is too important in our lives to be messing with the reliability we have now versus a shot in the dark.  Register and vote 'no.'"