In order to make a decision on the PUD issue, I looked at my PSE bill that was due on Oct. 29. We had used 1428 kilowatts and the total bill is $129.79 for the two months.

The Camano Island part of Island County is served by the Snohomish PUD and I called them up and asked how much a customer on Camano Island would pay for 1428 kilowatts.

Their present rate is 8 cents/kilowatt and the bill would be $114.24 plus $3.873 state utility tax (which is included in the PSE bill) and comes to $118.66.

Establishing a new PUD for Whidbey Island would mean to take on an estimated debt of $4,000 per household. Suppose the bond issue is on the basis of 5 percent for 20 years. To service this debt requires a monthly payment of $26.40 (using my HP 12 C).

If we had a PUD with the same cost structure as the Snohomish PUD, my bill would be $118.66 plus double $26.40.

Given the many uncertainties about the price to be paid for the existing infrastructure and the setting up of a PUD and using the above figures, I will vote no on the proposal.

Everett Vanderwende

Coupeville