Hydro One debacle

“Fascism (/ˈfæʃɪzəm/) is a form of radical authoritarian ultranationalism, characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and control of industry and commerce.”

Is it possible this is just what happened in Canada when Ontario’s new premier ousted the CEO of Hydro One along with the board? It is neither here nor there that Mayo Schmidt and the board were doing a good job. The fact that a government official had the power to do what he did is totally unacceptable in the United States. Imagine Jay Inslee calling Scott Morris and telling him he is no longer running Avista? What are we thinking about? Letting a foreign, quasi-government company purchase a well-run, respected and valuable Washington utility makes no sense.

I have been to more than one Utility Commission meeting and the overwhelming majority of attendees are against the sale. In Idaho, at the Coeur d’Alene meeting, there was not a single speaker that was in favor of the sale including myself. To put our well-respected power company in the hands of a “fascist” like the provincial government in Canada is foolish beyond the pale.

Please let your feelings be known to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Committee.

John Miller

Spokane Valley