To the editor:
I am writing in agreement with the opinion of Hugh Thomas’ letter to the 100 Mile Free Press dated Feb. 2.
I am a widowed pensioner living in the area and my Hydro bill runs approximately $2,500 per year or an average of $200 a month.
I live in a 1200 sq.ft. one level house with one wood burning stove and all cooking done on propane.
In order to keep the water running and avoiding to go to the outhouse, I need to run electricity in parts of the house to keep everything working.
This winter I have experienced several occasions where the electrical heating hasn’t been enough and everything is frozen in the morning.
My last hydro bill was $712 to balance the annual settlement. It is very obvious that this is my last winter here and everything will be shut down at the end of October.
I have lived in the area now for nine years and that is enough! I have no respect for government monopoly companies like BC Hydro, ICBC, Translink etc. which are totally mismanaged organizations only benefiting a few so called managers on the top who have obtained their positions through connections and are there for high salaries and future pension benefits etc.
I see crews on the roadsides with a dozen trucks and people standing around collecting overtime wages at the expense of poor pensioners and others. Their operating deficits are astronomical and would never be allowed in private business.
There is wasted time among the lucky employees who are fortunate enough to have the jobs there. I am not part of any political party and will never be but I am old enough to see what is happening in this province.
I encourage younger people to think next time they are voting to understand how their life will be affected in the future.
Ray Paulokangas
70 Mile House
