EDITOR:

Regarding the front page story on October 20 about the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum held on October 19, the headline said “Esky candidates focus on marijuana, development.” The Escanaba candidates, Ammel, Blasier, and Tall, did not have the choice to focus on any topic. The moderator gave us specific questions to answer. For example, I never intended to speak about marijuana, but the moderator asked a specific question about marijuana, so I spoke about marijuana.

Regarding possible rate decreases and possible rebates of water bills paid, which rates were raised due to the state mandate to replace lead water service lines, I said, “Not so fast! The City is obligated to replace 4,000 service lines at a cost of about $4,000 each, for a total of $16,000,000. The state has offered the city $1,800,000 to help, or only 11 percent of the mission cost. The city can’t afford rate reductions or rebates until the mission is much further along.”

Ralph B Blasier

Escanaba