Alexandria, LA. (12/22/2022) – As the City of Alexandria begins the process of issuing refunds for utilities, we can’t help but wonder if it is fair. Is it fair that it is income based? Homes that are not energy efficient pay more for utilities than homes that are.
Using income alone as a basis to issue this refund does not meet the mark needed. We needed it to be scaled the opposite way. Those that bear the burden of extreme consumption and with the least income should get the biggest refund because they have always bared the utility burden in the City of Alexandria.
The Sonja Quarters, Third Street, and Northside communities’ utilities have always been a thorn in those communities’ sides.
It almost seems as if the New administration wanted to thank those who put him in the office with a gift, and this was the way. It is absolutely appalling that a family who has been paying $800 to $1200 may not receive any relief. Where is their relief?
Who needs it more? Who would it help more at this time of year?
One member of The City Council seems to believe they don’t have to address the disparity. After watching Councilwoman Perry explain herself to KALB, she refused to discuss the same subject with UrbanCast. The place where her constituents come for real news. Did she forget she works for the people, not for Mayor Jacque Roy?
We were told not to discuss it.
Councilwoman Cynthia Perry, Alexandria District #3
We have seen this movie before. Mayor Roy, with an iron fist and a council too scared to demand solutions that work for all the people of Alexandria.
The plan for a refund is bright, but the layout and execution are bleak. It does not address the needs of the burden bearers.
So now we wait. Wait and see when the next time the utility bills will be through the roof in the less fortunate communities.
Until we address that 52% of the city’s monies come from utilities, the working poor and middle class will continue to get the short end of the stick. It is unacceptable.
Will the new administration and council continue to do business as usual, or will they work for all of the people of this city?
