Florez and PG&E: Don't squeeze the Charmin
I couldn't help but smirk at the analogy given by Liz Keogh on Monday comparing the rise in her PG&E rates to a roll of toilet paper. It made me think of the old Charmin television commercials showing the neurotic store clerk, Mr. Whipple, sneaking up on people who were squeezing the Charmin toilet paper and shooing them away with "Don't squeeze the Charmin." In the end, you find Mr. Whipple secretly squeezing the Charmin.
That made me think about the hearing hosted this past Monday by state Sen. Dean Florez. Florez wants more information about how PG&E SmartMeters are raising our power bills. Regardless of past rate increases, in March and October, the SmartMeters must be at fault.
I would like to know if Florez will also take a closer look at his own vote for Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. It was stated then by critics that our utility bills could increase by 40 percent to 60 percent. However, I remember Florez insisting that this is best for the valley regardless of the financial outcomes. So why the surprise now, when Florez knows very well that our utility bills will rise even higher in the near future due to his support of AB 32 and other bills. It seems to me that the road to hell has been repaved by good intentions. I suggest the state Assembly rethink its past positions and take all necessary corrective actions. Florez, please don't squeeze the Charmin.
KEVIN KUSEK
Bakersfield
