To the editor:

While Rasham Nassar stresses spending taxpayer dollars with “caution,” her opponent, Wayne Roth, repeatedly (2015-2016) supported wasting our tax dollars studying the feasibility of a citizen-driven proposal for Bainbridge to takeover PSE electric service for our Island.

While Nassar never supported a PSE takeover, Roth, said “I believe it’s feasible” (Oct. 6, 2015) and “support moving forward as quickly as we can.”

On April 26, 2016, Roth made the motion to authorize a $100,000 feasibility study.

On May 10, 2016, while Council members Ron Peltier and Sarah Blossom pointed out, respectively, that the “primary responsibility of city council is to listen to the community and not spend this amount of money without knowing the community supports the study,” and ”people on this island will not support this because they do not trust the city to do it”, Roth said “I support going forward with the utility study.”

Roth said “I support the study and will vote for it” (June 12, 2016) and “The only option is to continue discussion, to go to community outreach aggressively… much of what I hear from people tends to be out of ignorance” (March 21, 2017)

“The notion of local control was absolutely compelling. I’ll debate that with anyone” (June 6) and “it’s something we ought to consider at some point in the future.”

But compelling fiscal realities presented by PSE’s consultant prevailed June 13 when council voted unanimously to “cease further consideration of public power.”

Remember: While Roth advocated for a city-owned electric utility, Nassar did not.

Roth also supports a new $28.4 million proposal for a new police station, having previously voted against a $7.5 million option, and for a $15 million proposal locating the station on a toxic site. Re: the $1 million pedestrian bridge across 305, Roth’s comment: “We’ll find the money somewhere.” Nassar’s our clear choice.

SALLY ADAMS

Bainbridge Island