Letter to the Editor: "We must still be a community working together for the future of Decorah"

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by David Carlson of Decorah):

"I am voting 'yes' on May 1st and the following are the reasons for my decision:

First: I recently paid our February electric bill. Our bill was $131 before taxes.  If our home was located in Osage, our bill would have been approximately $97.80.  If it was located in either New Hampton or Cedar Falls, our bill would have been approximately $73.50.  It appears to me that our current electric supplier has some of the highest rates in the region.

Second: We would like to pursue the use of solar at our home.  This is not possible because of all the trees in our neighborhood.  We would like to invest in a community solar field similar to those at Luther College, but owned by Decorah homeowners.  This could reduce our use of fossil fuel-powered generators and reduce our electric bill.  Our current electric supplier has not allowed the use of community solar fields in their service area.

Third: Our 'yes' vote to empower the Decorah city council to EXPLORE the formation of a municipal electric utility only provides them with more options for our energy future.  It might result in actual negotiations with our current provider.  The city council will have some real tools to work with.

Finally: I trust our city council, mayor and administration to act in our best interests and, after reviewing all the facts, do what is best for Decorah's energy future.

Please join me in empowering our elected leaders.

Remember, no matter the outcome of the vote, we must still be a community working together for the future of Decorah!"