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Learn about the legislation and make a difference
Today’s political climate is more charged than any year I can recall. We’re deluged by multiple opinions regarding health-care legislation with a divided Congress that’s trying to please everyone. We’re inundated by pro and con positions on global warming, with both sides proving their positions to the satisfaction of many (I guess there can be more than one truth, after all). Cap-and-trade legislation threatens to increase the price you may be paying for electricity in the coming years, and I know of no electric system in favor of what has been proposed so far. Citizens of this great country are rapidly losing confidence in both the media and our elected officials. I guess we should look back at what Will Rogers once said: “Be thankful we’re not getting all the government we’re paying for.”
Everybody is right, and nobody is wrong. Optimists are becoming an endangered species. Seriously, much is on our plate today. We must all take the opportunity to hold our elected officials accountable for the welfare of our country. The day is long past when the needs of the few should outweigh the needs of the many (got that one from Spock).
On the state front here at TMEPA, we’re getting ready for the next session of the Tennessee General Assembly, which will convene on Jan. 12, 2010. Once again we’ll have the pleasure of working with a group who are more responsive to citizens’ needs than their Washington counterparts. As usual, we’ll be watching the introduction of bills that may have an adverse effect on your local electric company, as well as bills beneficial to their operations.
In addition, we’ll continue working with our legislators regarding issues such as the right of municipals to offer telecommunication services, fees for attaching to the electric poles of other companies (cable and telephone), workers’ compensation, insurance and any other issue that could cost you, the municipal systems customers, more money.
We encourage you to contact your state and national senators and representatives to emphasize that any legislation that adversely affects public power ultimately is reflected in higher rates. With the current state of our economy, even a minor increase in your utility costs is unwanted.
Each TMEPA member stands ready and willing to serve its customers with integrity, professionalism and efficiency. You won’t find a more dedicated group of public servants than those in your hometown who daily go about keeping the lights on. Should you have the opportunity, let them know they’re doing a great job and their efforts are truly appreciated.
Mike Vinson
Executive Director
Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association
