To the editor:

The only sense I can make of Neil Colburn’s letter is he might be angling for a cushy job with Puget Sound Energy like Walt Blackford. Isn’t this the mayor who was at the helm when the contract for the fairgrounds access road ended up costing Langley taxpayers a bundle?

Forgive me if I find his opinion about “underestimating the costs and overestimating the benefits” a bit underwhelming. Does he really think voters should have lifetime veto power over elected officials except at elections?

Every PUD candidate has strongly stated their promise to be responsive to voters; does Mr. Colburn question their commitment?

Runaway taxing? Check this quote: “Mayor Neil Colburn said people need to change their view that all taxes are bad. Taxes provide a way to fix the streets and sidewalks in the city where those taxpayers live.”

Good point, the very small initial PUD tax for a short time will benefit the entire island with lower rates, good jobs and money spent locally. There IS a cap on tax that can be levied and increases are subject to the 1 percent cap!

Huge infrastructure costs? When Langley formed a sewer district, it cost a bundle up front but was paid for by inexpensive municipal long-term bonds and paid off by monthly sewer fees, just like a PUD. When Langley did a feasibility study before building the system, were they offered a veto?

A Whidbey PUD will be run like any municipal agency, with oversight, due diligence and it will be nonprofit. Mr. Colburn, your ideas don’t make sense and are bad for Whidbey.

Elaine Reese

Clinton