I read with interest the views of a writer recently, where she took issue with Town Council candidate Lina Bellenir’s comments regarding Chaparral Water’s rate increase. The writer argued we should just lie down and accept whatever rate increase is approved, as it will “likely (result) in reasonable changes to us.” Really? Says who?

So…a base increase of 18 percent has been approved, exceeding by 38 percent that suggested by the town -- apparently the change wasn’t so “reasonable” after all. Worse, hidden in the rate increase are additional automatic increases, called CAP surcharge and System Improvement Benefit, which are unstated and can be imposed anytime Chaparral makes the argument they need them.

In reality then the increase will be well in excess of 18 percent. “Reasonable?”

Contrary to the writer’s claim, Chaparral is not a “private business” – it’s a public utility that is guaranteed a profit on the backs of ratepayers -- pretty good deal. She also disagreed with the idea that the town should have purchased the water company when it had a chance (many towns own their own water companies, often resulting in lower rates because no profit is involved). Ironic how the writer thinks it’s OK for the city of Edmonton to own Fountain Hills’ water system, but not Fountain Hills.

Turns out that the red herring here is not Lina Bellenir fighting for all of us (she was the only candidate -- indeed the only Fountain Hills resident -- who filed as an intervener before the Corporation Commission); the real red herring is Chaparral’s 35 percent increase request that blamed decreased water usage, coupled with its now guaranteed future rate increases of unknown amount. A stinking, rotten fish indeed!

I applaud Lina Bellenir’s efforts and statements in this regard. And BTW, I love Canadians!