The glass is full

Stan Miller’s letter supporting Spokane’s new water rate structure (June 26) is an example of dishonesty. We have plenty of water, and moderately greater pumping rates will insignificantly impact downstream users. Indoor water use goes back to the river through the sewer, and much outdoor use seeps back through the ground or returns as rain.

The argument against these rates is based on the extreme increase in rates, with higher usage amounting to added excessive tax on people growing fruits, vegetables and other vegetation that clean the air. Other cities’ rates are irrelevant. The point about average household use is dishonest and irrelevant to how people are charged.

One person in an apartment is counted the same as a suburban household of six.

This structure says that your utility bill should be taxed far above the low rate, not just for having more usage from outdoor use but even more per person by having more people in your house.

This new, unfair structure is definitely not a bargain for suburban families. Elitists and environmental extremists who are urbanites, rich or will not grow food are happy to add taxes onto others and dictating how we should live despite the benefits.

Jay Logan

Spokane