Avista could set example

A few weeks ago, we read the news of the fat raises and bonuses to the royalty at Avista. These bloated amounts must be paid to keep the sharp people who run the show. Since there is no competition, that’s debatable.

Should it have surprised anyone that read the March 22 paper that the company will be needing still another rate increase so soon? Raises and bonuses are a pittance in the overall amount of money raked in by Avista, but it just seems wrong.

If your landlord hit the lottery and he told you he needs to raise your rent, it would make you wonder. Everything must and will go up to some extent, and the rate increase will amount to 2.9 percent. That “hope and change” some people voted for six years ago has not materialized in the paychecks for the vast majority. Most people today hope that they will have change left at the end of the month.

We have many people who find it tougher to choose between a full belly and a warm house. Even though it’s legal to pay those raises and bonuses, it would be more ethical not to, and set an example of caring and sharing of the profits with those who struggle to get by.

Gary Graupner

Spokane