City needs to end use of antiquated, costly coal electricity
Would you invest in fax machines today? How about a landline telephone company? My guess is your answer is no. I say that because these are industries whose time has passed. And if you wanted a fax machine or a dial phone, the price would be quite high because there are not a lot them around anymore.
Yet, the city of Naperville made a similar investment earlier this century and is planning to double down on it. This has and will result in higher electricity rates for Naperville ratepayers. I am referring to the city’s ownership and purchase power agreement with IMEA, the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency.
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IMEA is a consortium of cities that own interest in two coal plants, and because of this, Naperville’s energy is sourced 70% from coal. The supply of coal is shrinking, and the cost is going up. We are all locked into this fuel, which is more costly in terms of direct rates and all the externalities such as poor air quality and the environmental damage. And carbon taxes, which are gaining traction, would pile on more cost. Meanwhile, wind and solar energy is ramping up and the cost of this energy is lower and getting lower by the day.
The city will not provide any transparency into the operation that requires a fifth of the city’s budget. That’s not a typo, 20% of the tax revenue that Naperville citizens pay is being spent without public insight. And the current expectation is the city is gearing up to lengthen the contract from 2035 onward.
We are supposed to be a leading city. Please let the city council know that to be a leader today, we need to be able to switch freely to renewable energy.
Steve Shamrock, Naperville
Sheriffs required to enforce all laws, not just those they like
The League of Women Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people. The people of Illinois have spoken through their Legislature, and the will of the people of Illinois is to ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity ammunition magazines and switches in Illinois.
Unfortunately, several Illinois county sheriffs have announced they will not enforce this legislation. The job of a county sheriff is to enforce the law — all law — not just the ones they like.
The League of Women Voters of Naperville expects DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley to enforce this law.
Susan Craighead, President
League of Women Voters of Naperville
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