Dear Editor,

It has become apparent to me, after reading the mayors comments in the February 1st paper of the Alaska Highway News, that she believes only one person in the airport subdivision is upset over the cost of water and sewer; consider this complaint number two.

I am well aware that the costs of goods and services do rise over time, that's just a fact of life, but what makes this such a bitter pill to swallow is the ignorance and contempt we have been shown by the City of Fort St. John over this subject, especially as we are now being told that if we don't like it we can go elsewhere. I shall being thinking on this advice seriously, as being a skilled trades-person who has worked many years for tax paying companies within the city. I will be able to find employment in more welcoming municipalities. But what about those less fortunate people, who have worked and contributed their whole lives and are now retired and on fixed income? I know of at least one veteran living in the subdivision who I guess should just 'go elsewhere' too?

It saddens me that the city views water and sewer in our subdivision as a luxury item, like cable TV or high speed internet, and that every household out here endlessly waters their lawns. (By the way, why does grass in the middle of a traffic circle need to be watered?) In our household we have even given up trying to grow a small patch of vegetables as it is cheaper to go to the grocery store (which does pay taxes in FSJ) than it is to water the plants.

I do understand that at the end of the day it all comes down to money. Community does not extend to neighbors if they do not pay. The city only has to supply the water and treat some sewer (at lagoons on Regional District land), and appears to be concerned that if they get too neighborly the Regional District will suck the coffers dry! I know that the city's infrastructure is old and needs a lot of upgrading, but let's be honest, it didn't deteriorate overnight (in 2008), and it wasn't the fault of Regional District residents.

I thank you for taking the time to read and disregard this letter, but at least you can now say you had two complaints.

Patrick Sefton

Fort St.John Airport Subdivision