Saratoga News

Letters

PUC must address PG&E shortcomings

In the wake of the recent power outage, Assemblymember Jim Cunneen sent the following letter to the Public Utilities Commission. --Editor

As with your office, I'm sure, my state Assembly district office has been inundated with calls and visits by concerned citizens affected by the recent power outage.

The length of time needed to restore power to more than 200,000 residents of our area is the cause of great concern on my part and the part of the constituents I represent. The complexity involved with bringing to full operation PG&E's vast electrical distribution system is perfectly understandable. Nevertheless, it is PG&E's responsibility to have in place a comprehensive plan to deal with such disasters.

Here's my main concern: The PUC clearly has not worked closely enough with PG&E management to ensure adequate reliability standards. This must be a top priority as we investigate the reasons behind what appears to be an unnecessary delay in restoring power to residents of the Bay Area.

I would be grateful if you would provide my office with your plans to address serious inadequacies with PG&E's ability to respond to the forces of Mother Nature.

Jim Cunneen

Assemblymember, 24th District

Just say thanks and goodbye

Meg Caldwell's less than gracious exit from the Planning Commission [Saratoga News, Dec. 20] clearly demonstrates why she was not elected to the City Council in 1992. Her opponents have left her alone to lick her wounds, but she cannot let go of her anger. This is a trait that does not serve well for a public official, as well I know.

If all this bluster is due to her preparing to run again, she needs to review her myriad reasons for belonging to George Wallace's party for 12 years, switching her political designation from independent to American Independent Party in 1980.

The recall against me failed because the residents of Saratoga rightly recognized it as an attempt to change the election results of 1992. Most Saratogans are relieved to have, at last, a council that performs with dignity and is able to disagree in a professional manner. The accusations of its being pro-growth are unfounded. Was it not this council that turned down Home Depot?

Listen up, Meg. When you leave the Planning Commission, this is what you say: "I appreciated the opportunity to serve the community." Period. People will think better of you for it.

Karen P. Anderson

Sea Gull Way