Former mayor asks 'why' to sewer costs

The saying "don't kick a man when he is down" apparently hasn't been considered with the operation of our city.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s the city was contacted regarding sewer separation concerns. We had a large amount of rain our combined sewers would deliver to the sewer plant. What could not be treated overflowed into the ditch. As more concrete and roofs and parking lot were constructed rain water collected faster.

Separation of the sanitary and storm water sewers was implemented. Wauseon didn't have $12 million, plus interest, to attempt to change all of our sewers at once. After discussion with the OEPA the city worked out a schedule allowing us to separate sewers over a period of time. 2010 was the year contemplated that if things worked as planned we would be in good shape.

Wauseon was one of the cities receiving good comments from OEPA. We tried the best we could. In 2003 I retired. What has been separated since then, I do not know. There has been work going on but we need more time to complete these separations.

The water bill was increased and is scheduled to be increased again. I don't understand. Yes, I know the items that were mentioned, however, rather than attempting to recoup a large nest egg in this fund, approach with care and concern for our citizens and the companies that have invested in this community. Returning to the cost prior to the tremendous increase and commence with a five percent increase each year will return the line item to a comfortable level. Having extra funds in an account is nice - double payments at a time of uncertainty should be avoided. I realize a five percent increase may be needed for drinking water as these moneys are used to drinking water concerns and repairs. It has no connection with the sewer (construction of a holding tank that will only be used when city receives a heavy rain). When our sewers are separated there may not be a need for this $5 million holding tank.

Burdening citizens and companies, who employ many of our citizens, with a very large increase that is not needed this very minute, is "stepping on a man when he's down."

When water bills are higher than heat or electric bills companies employing our citizens reach a point where they cannot hire help, as their basic cost for water alone has made them readjust their goals.

Another issue: Why hasn't our city joined, Defiance, Napoleon and 38 other villages and cities in the Clean Water Act of 2009? There is $l.5 billion available in this bill for the use of water-sewer concerns. I understand there may be a 75 percent grant - 25 percent by the cities, available. Defiance Mayor Bob Armstrong has offered to assist us in joining this group.

Jerry G Matheny

Wauseon

Kathy Huner deserves an opportuniy to lead

I wrote a letter last year about the E-verify program implemented after 9-11, however, that was not published because it was not local news, but this is.

We know there is an election for mayor in 2012 and it seems to me that we can see that special favor once again with our elected officials. We also see who votes with who. It does not take a rocket scientist to see someone might be positioning themselves to run for mayor in 2012.

In conversation with an elected official, I asked the question about the rotation as president on council. I was told the best way to keep everything in perspective was to rotate and give every member an opportunity to serve.

So, when a council member is prepared with a statement and the other is not, there is a behind-the-scenes negotiating and positioning.

When I was asked why I even care about these things, my response was because I care about the City of Wauseon and my community and because we always seem to appoint the same people over and over again. This brings me to the Tea Party movement making the other two parties think about where their priorities are. Are they for the people or for themselves and their buddies?

When we also have one council member talk about the last two years being active instead of the time one has served and you have another council member talk about the 10 years of service to the city and standing by their record, this is a no-brainer to me.

I think it is time for a change and to start talking about "we the people" and not me and my friends. I hope within the next years, we can have a woman candidate run for mayor and challenge any candidate into a live debate. To Mrs. Huner: you are well-qualified and deserved that opportunity and thank you for your service.

Justo T. Suarez

Wauseon