Huber Ridge Area

Hello!!  Has anyone seen the Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Dispatch, Metro section, page B2?  They point out that the new average rate for water/sewer will be $219 per QUARTER.  If OAW gets this increase, our new average rate per MONTH will be $169.97 when it is all said and done.

Do the math - $510 per quarter for Huber Ridge versus $219 for Columbus,  $1200 per year difference!!  Some State Reps have realized this and I have praised them on Twitter - but hello?  What about the PUCO? Good grief.  It is so oppressive.  May God deliver us.

OAW is literally killing the community.  R.I.P Huber Ridge - unless our State Reps, the Governor, whomever - rescues us from this rip off company.  Whoever speaks up on our behalf and gets results will be true hero or heroine for this community.

Take time to write letters and support/praise those State Reps etc. who are working on our behalf.

Pam Clegg

Yes it is very oppressive, I have led the way for 4 years against 3 increases here in this area. With your (the communities) support we have made a difference. We did not get rid of OAWC but we have made an impact. The biggest impact is we wrote letters to the PUCO and our elected officials in the past and only because of this action are they looking at the problem. Our state officials are now looking at some legislation to restrict allowable reimbursement to the OAWC from the consumer. This is not the whole answer we need, but it is a start. If we do nothing now the attention will fade from our state reps. lets reiterate to our elected officials this legislation needs passed and why.

You have the power to keep the spotlight on this aggressive, money hungry,  community killing company OAWC. Write your elected officials and the PUCO now and make the difference needed now. There will be hearings on this increase and your attendance will be needed there also, I can assure you some reps from the state will also be in attendance. It has been your involvement in the past that has made legislation possible, it will also be your involvement now and in the future that will continue to make the difference in future legislation and the possibility of getting rid of OAWC. OAWC and the PUCO must stand accountable for their actions. United we stand divided we fall. This is your community, you have made a difference and will continue to do so if we remain focused.

You may also check out www.fightthehikeohio.org for details on how the communities across the county and state are uniting against OAWC and the progress that has been made there. This fight to obtain water quality and the price every community expects and deserves involves all of us, not one person or small group can do it alone. The basic need for sustainable life is water, we only want a quality product at a reasonable price.

James Welch

See the November 30 Dispatch article - feel free to add your comments.

Pam Clegg

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/30/Smaller-rate-increases-proposed-for-water-sewer.html?sid=101