To the editor:

Basic research confirms it. Our skepticism about Island Power’s agenda was justified. And the Bainbridge city council let us down when it (5 to 2) authorized payment of $100,000 of our tax dollars for nothing more than an Island Power promotional piece.

The D. Hittle proposal leaves basic questions unanswered. What will Hittle conclude from their findings (etc.)?  What’ll they recommend the council do as a result? How might Bainbridge residents benefit? What’s the real cost to Bainbridge of purchasing PSE infrastructure? No one knows.

While acquisition costs might be estimated based on history, history doesn’t work here due to such factors as rising real estate costs and condemnation proceedings that haven’t been pursued since 1940. Condemnation involves teams of attorneys and takes years. How will a Bainbridge electric utility, with no funding until they obtain a loan for the purchase and transition, pay the team of attorneys and experts to fight PSE over the initial purchase price? The ratepayers!

Why did the council spend our tax dollars on Island Power’s fantasy when basic research showed that a Bainbridge PUD could never deliver electricity more reliably, with more green power, or with local ownership and jobs for lower costs than PSE? Why was only Hittle’s promotion of Island Power considered, with no room — or funds, for an opposing view?

If the Jefferson PUD is the shining example of what we might expect, on top of the $100,000, we are in for a debacle of major proportions with taxpayers paying the bill. Time to speak up.

SALLY ADAMS

Bainbridge Island