Bypass of taxpayers is the wrong choice

As a quiet observer of the Southside sewer moratorium and a resident of the district, I think there are some aspects that should be considered before we try an end run around the taxpayers.

 1. In the current political environment doing a “Pelosi” on the masses is neither fair nor honorable. The local improvement district was created by a vote of the people and so should any changes in the deal. If the board is afraid of the results of an election then the idea in itself is lacking. The problem should be resolved with a solution that can be supported by a majority of those affected. Why should a judge be allowed to rule on an issue that has never been presented to those who are going to pay for it?

2. Quite a few of the lots that supposedly can hardly wait to be improved were acquired to be resold at a later date for a profit. The current asking prices reflect a windfall if the rest of us have to pay to get the moratorium lifted. The speculators will be smiling all the way to the bank.

3. The sorry mess that the current board is trying to handle is partly due to an inadequate initial design but also to a state agency, the Department of Environmental Quality, that seems to be jerking us around by changing the rules without regard for the consequences. It is government itself that is making a tough situation tougher. If they are trying to protect us from ourselves it would be nice if they would have some answers before they destroy the existing system.

 4. If this matter does end up in the hands of a judge I would hope that he or she insists on some real numbers, not some estimates. I appreciate we are being conditioned to accept astronomical costs of government without having a say but it is time to draw the line and this subject is as good as any to start.

PAUL RECHNITZER

Sagle