Avista leadership stumbles

Your Nov. 25 article detailing Avista Corp.’s activity and activism concerning their support for cap-and-trade legislation is discouraging. Over the years, Avista’s shareholders have been recipients of reduced dividends and a lagging share price due to weak boards of directors and selfish, faddish managements (Tom Matthews).

Now management is pursuing legislation that will cost jobs, is scientifically unsound and ultimately will force its customers to pay much more for the energy it provides. Management should study their own company and learn that the hydroelectric power it produces and the rates that its customers enjoy are the result of the diligent efforts of former Chairman Kinsey M. Robinson, who singlehandedly “fought” the federal government’s efforts to appropriate the private power that we continue to enjoy.

Political correctness was not one of Chairman Robinson’s concerns. He was concerned with shareholders, ratepayers and private enterprise.

Shame on you, Avista. Kinsey would be disappointed.

Ed Walther

Spokane