To the editor:

When I was at the Tuesday evening meeting regarding a possible Whidbey Island PUD, I didn’t tape the meeting so I’m not positive, but I thought I heard, I’m almost sure I heard Bert Valdman of Puget Sound Energy claim we would have to pay replacement cost for the infrastructure.

He spoke of the high cost of copper wire these days and the expense of building a new substation. In other words, he seemed to be expecting our PUD to purchase their equipment as if it was brand new, that is, no consideration of depreciation.

It makes me wonder about their claims of $130 million and up.

But, if I heard correctly I would like him to buy my car using the same reasoning. It’s a 1996 Ford Explorer and he can have it for only $26,000 (the price of a 2008 Explorer).

Secondly, if our property taxes went up 20 cents per $1,000, then with property assessed at $300,000 the tax would increase $60 a year.

That’s $5 per month. I’m willing to drink one less cup of coffee per week and have our own electric utility. How about you?

Duke LeBaron

Langley