Waste-to-energy plant

I read the May 25 Trib story by J.B. Smith on the possibility of Waco building a waste-to-energy plant.

My jaw hit my knees when I realized the city apparently has not bothered to look into other cities’ experiences, like that of Harrisburg, Pa. The Trib story had no mention of other city experiences, either.

Harrisburg officials were sold a bill of goods on a similar project. Waco city leaders should take note. Now Harrisburg is on the brink of bankruptcy because of a project that sounds virtually identical to this proposal.

I urge the Trib to research Harrisburg’s experiences, as well as other cities across the country that have bought into this economically unproven technology. City officials need to ensure the Waco city government, as well as the citizens of Waco, are well educated before moving further on this.

Pete Groetzinger

Waco

EDITOR’S NOTE: The May 25 story said the city of Killeen is working with a private company, ZEROS, to build a $350 million waste recovery plant that will turn trash into energy.

Limited government

In polls, 70 percent of Americans want to go with the free enterprise system, not government control. It’s a shame that 30 percent have control of the goverment and the news media.

The majority do not want government control of everything. Of course, we need government for law enforcement and to have armed forces, but beyond that, the individual trying to make a profit and hiring people is what makes this country strong.

It’s sad that a veteran of any war gets less treatment than illegals do. People need to take this country back.

Jerry Willett

Lorena

Oncor digital meters

Recently there was a note left on my door informing me that Oncor Electric had installed a new digital advanced meter at my house. The benefits were outlined and included no more in-person meter readings, fewer vehicles and less pollution. Less expense for Oncor should translate to less expense for the customer, right? Wrong!

The brochure notes that the Public Utility Commission and the Texas Legislature authorized Oncor to charge me $2.21 a month for the next 11 years so they can recover the cost of this piece of their equipment that I don’t need or want.

For a total cost to me of $291.72, someone can access my meter from afar. How is that fair?

Mike James

Waco

US financial security

Under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama, the financial security of this country is being destroyed. Our government’s insane spending is eroding the future of our children and future generations.

One of the enablers of this economic destruction is U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco. Edwards is famous for telling of the Democratic bills he votes against. But what about his passing on votes — such as cap-and-trade and Obamacare — until they have enough votes to pass, and then voting against them?

Donald N. Baker

Lampasas