I read Jim Hagen’s letter calling the North Beach Water rate increase a “modest” one. I find it impossible to consider a 69 percent increase “modest” when it is on the monthly rate that is paid no matter how much water is used. Technically, I could use no water at all and still pay 69 percent more. That is modest – baloney.

He also compares the modest increase to whiskey, beer, cell phone and cable TV rate increases. Guess what, I have gone about making savings in those areas by purchasing less whiskey and beer, which I don’t need at all, using my cell phone for all long distance calls and cutting back on the cable TV package that I subscribe to.

He then ends his letter with absolute nonsense by saying that all the items mentioned are not really necessities. Duh, please think long and hard about that sentence Mr. Hagen. With that kind of reasoning, it should be OK to increase the rates for ALL necessities by the above-mentioned “modest” amount.

John Sporseen

Nahcotta