The Oregonian: Letters to the Editor

Electrical union local opposes PUD

09/30/03

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 125, representing more than 3,700 skilled union electrical workers, is opposed to a people's utility district (PUD) in Multnomah County.

A new PUD would have to pay more than $1 billion just to take over the poles and wires that currently belong to Pacific Power and Portland General Electric. As ratepayers, we would have to repay this billion-dollar cost through our rates -- essentially paying for something we've already got.

After paying more than $1 billion, a new PUD still wouldn't have any electricity. No one can say for sure where it would come from or how much it would cost.

Our local union is not against public power. But we believe that this ill-conceived measure benefits no one. It does not make sense to pay higher rates for a lower quality of service, when there are better ways to spend our time and money.

Vote no on Measures 26-51 and 26-52.

BILL MILLER Business manager

IBEW Local 125 Northeast Portland