I accept the challange!

 I accept the challenge issued today in the Leader by Pastor David Hodgin!  A major reason I decided to run for PUD was, and is, based on the hardships of our most vulnerable citizens and today's Leader article has strengthened my resolve and energized me to work toward protecting those in financial crisis.  Churches and charitable organization should not be forced to pick up where PSE left off.
 
Today's article in the Leader on Michele MacRae deeply troubles me, this should not be allowed to happen.  When PUD took over from PSE, they not only accepted the power system, they should have accepted the responsibility to serve our citizens, all citizens, not just those with the resources to pay their bill.  PSE, a for profit corporation, made it possible for low income individuals and families to receive power, shouldn't our PUD, owned by us, at least do as much, if not more.

If there is, in fact, law that prohibits the PUD from using public funds to assist those in need, and I feel there must be a way as other PUD's in Washington State have more substantial programs, then the PUD should lead the charge, organizing groups, churches, charitable organizations, and citizens to create a system to provide assistance.

The Washington State Constitution, ratified by the voters in 1889, addressed the gifting of public funds, but also made provision for allowing assistance to those in need.

Washington State Constitution, Article VIII, STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS:

Section 7  CREDIT NOT TO BE LOANED.  No city, town or other municipal corporation shall hereafter give any money, or property, or loan its money, or credit to or in the aid of any individual, association, company or corporation, except for the necessary support of the poor and infirm, or become directly or indirectly the owners of any stock in or bonds of any association, company or corporation.

I would assume that the underlined section above is the basis that allows the state, and other government entities,  to provide such programs as Welfare, Medicaid and the other numerous support programs paid for with public funds.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit, please share your thoughts with me.
Tony