I could not help but laugh to myself when I received my bill from the PUD with the enclosure that stated, “BPA Pricing Drives PUD Rates.” Just a few days before, I read in The Herald paper an article where the PUD commissioners were offering the position of PUD general manager to Mr. Ed Hansen at an increase from the salary of the former manger. The previous salary itself would have been a very hefty increase from Mr. Hansen’s present salary as mayor of Everett.
First, what was wrong with the present salary of the PUD manager for Mr. Hansen? I have no argument with the idea that Mr. Hansen may be a very good candidate for the position. I believe the commissioners said the last manager was the best to come along, also. Further, we, the people, do not increase the salary of the president of the United States of America every time we elect a new president. Why not have Mr. Hansen show he is capable of performing the job of manager before we increase the salary? When I was hired, I was hired at a base salary and as I showed my ability to perform the job, I received salary increases.
Second, if the PUD is a public entity, then I ask, where is the money coming from that pays for the salary increases? Why is it that the commissioners can just raise the salary whenever they choose? Wasn’t the salary increased when they hired the last manager? Where and when does it stop?
Yes, I understand that to get the best for the position, the salary needs to be an incentive. However, with the bonus packages, let’s start with a base salary and then as the person shows he or she has the ability to perform, increase the salary. Then the public is getting its money’s worth.
So, is the Bonneville Power Administration pricing driving the PUD rates? Yes, to a certain extent. But, I also believe the indiscriminate spending by the commissioners of the public’s money is not helping the public and the utility bills.
Marysville
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