PUD commission needs a shake-up

I am writing in response to the article “PUD claims ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ over tidal funding project.” General Manager Steve Klein would have the public believe that there was no written contract for spending on their tidal project with the DOE other than a “gentlemen’s agreement”? A project with a minimum budgetary figure at over $20 million? At best that is irresponsible spending of ratepayer funds by the PUD staff. I have a very hard time understanding how the Snohomish County PUD Commissioners could agree to such a loose cannon approach to a business decision. It would appear that PUD commissioners have allowed senior staff unchecked authority in spending ratepayer money for financially undefined projects.

This is the second time in the last year that the PUD has spent multi-millions of dollars on speculative, unsubstantiated energy projects only to be abandoned. They are currently doing the same kind of spending exploring an ill-advised hydro project on the north fork of the Skykomish River in a proven landslide area. It seems that the current board of commissioners have become complacent with the PUD staff and allow ratepayers to hold the bag.

David Aldrich is currently up for re-election on the November ballot. It is time for a shake up on the PUD commission. Choosing to elect Bruce King to the board would give a fresh voice in these critical issues.

Marcia Eller

Bothell