Do the citizens of Lewiston really know what they’re getting into with this so-called storm runoff fee?

City Administrator Jim Bennett had to cut $1.6 million from his budget, so he had to think other ways to get it. Did you ever stop to think who would really pay? Do you think landlords will absorb this cost? No. Do you think hospitals and educational institutions will absorb this cost? No. Do you think area businesses will absorb this cost? No. Do you think churches will absorb the cost? No. Think about it.

Already high rents will go up, cost of medical services and tuition fees will increase, production costs and sale of items will go up and churches will have to add an extra collection to cover the extra expense. Who is left holding the bag? Us, the homeowners will pay their fee plus that of those mentioned above. We’ll pay double.

Do you suppose when taxes go up next year, as is the plan, they will drop this fee? We all know better!

I applaud those who had the courage to initiate the petition drive. You can bet that I will sign it, and hope others will follow. It’s time for the citizens to stand up and be counted and regain some control, because our leaders are out of touch. We citizens are already struggling to make ends meet.

Raoul Richard, Lewiston