(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

The toll bridge was to be free once the bonds were paid off by toll, But the city saw dollar signs and had state law changed so they could take ownership and continue to collect tolls. Then they found out that 2/3 the money could not go to them. It had to be placed in funds to maintain the bridge and tear down.

They increased the toll, slowly found a buyer to buy it. They came out with the tear-down fund and $5 million to spend on whatever.

Now the county commission is mad that a water district had to ask for another increase in billing. They act like nothing has increased in the last four years. I watched steel pipe go from $7 a foot to $30 a foot. Thank goodness it is coming down some. Even meter setters went all the way out to 6 months. Ask PUB if it was fun the last couple years.

My question is off all three commissioners that own their own business. Did they increase their pricing in the last 4 years? Did their food cost stay at pricing 4 years ago? If so, I need to know where they are buying their supplies from. Look at rent pricing, look at cost of cars, look at the bill when you eat out. Did they increase their pricing?

Now the county is looking at selling the water districts to American West Virginia Water, a company that is in business to make a profit to their stock holders. Every where they have bought out, the rates went up to cover the cost of the loans to buy out the districts and water companies. Also to make money for their stock holders. Guess where the money is coming from?

What I hear so far if they sell, there is no strings attached on what the county can do with the funds from the sale. Gives me the same bad feeling as with the toll bridge that should have gone to the state not the city and free.

Every time I go to the store seems like things are increasing and not coming down. So why is it the county is mad at allowing the district to keep their heads above water by increasing the bill just enough to cover them. Right now the district operates as nonprofit and no stock holders.

If they sell, watch for your water bills to jump. Just like you buying a house or car. The bank is smiling at all the money they are making off of you.

Tell the commissioners No on the sale of the water districts. If they don’t listen, then I guess it is up to the next November election to send them a message.

Bernard Brookover

Parkersburg