I read the July 16 article with interest regarding the “plight” of the PUD (“PUD $9 million short”). The budget “cuts” proposed in the article are at best a joke and don’t reflect the real issues going on at the PUD.

The constant diversionary tactics of blaming the BPA are simply posturing by the PUD board and its leadership. The fact is that they are incompetent.

The board negotiated an incredibly bad deal two years ago, locking its customers into exorbitant rates for a very long time. They thought they had outsmarted the BPA, but simply found that they are amateurs when it comes to negotiating contracts and are now whining about their own incompetence and lack of good judgement.

Had they taken the time to find other potential resources then and not locked us into the highest rates in the state for years to come, we may not be having most of these problems. Then, after the rates were set, these same commissioners who would not take responsibility for their own actions elected to spend $350,000, which they apparently don’t have, to hire analysts.

I do see a solution to all of this; either recall all of the commissioners or have them resign, then have a new board hire competent management to run the PUD.

Everett