To The Editor,

The Lehigh Street Light District increased taxes 231 percent this year.

At its recent meeting, Edd Weiner presented his grand ideas for underground electric lines, selected enhanced street lights in some areas, and restrictions on future approvals.

Weiner suggested that future approvals be restricted to Tiers 1 and 2 described in the new Lehigh Acres land use plan.

Should a resident who pays taxes to the light district be denied a street light if he or she lives in the wrong area – Tier 3?

The Edison Electric Institute has noted that there are major drawbacks to underground power lines. Increased costs are a major problem. It can be 10 times more expensive than overhead lines. There are fewer power outages but of longer duration. Maintenance is far more difficult, costly, and time consuming.

A Florida study of the conversion cost to underground lines would require an 80 percent to 125 percent increase in monthly electric bills.

A larger issue is presented.

If you have a building lot that costs x and you add impact fees, and infrastructure costs of streets, curbs, sidewalks, underground electric lines then the base costs are such that you have to build a higher value home. You create a situation that average people making workers’ wages cannot afford the home.

We must keep asking the questions: “How much is it going to cost? and “Who is going to pay for it?”

Government has a very poor record of being honest with the people.

When was the last time you got an accurate estimate of cost from the government?

In 2010 the committee will meet on the second Monday of each month at the Veterans Park at 6:30 p.m.

Kevin Shea

Lehigh Acres

Shea is chairman of Lower Taxes Now 4 Lee. – Ed.