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Category: Editorials Editorials
Published: 18 February 2016 18 February 2016

Dear Editor:

This is distressing and certainly something people should know about! I personally know of one other person whose water is shut off.

It is happening right now as the city is installing these new water meters.

I received this email from a friend:

<<Locally, my neighbor 2 downhill, same side of street - is Russell Rappa, Vet who 30+ yrs. ago suffered several strokes and I believe a brain tumor - and underwent radiation, etc., had his water turned off because he refused the smart meter. Doctors have been amazed that he is still here because those undergoing what he did usually do not live past four years. He attributes it to incredible vigilance about life style and what he puts in his body.

Last night he shared with me (he is very difficult to understand - speech was affected) that he plans to put in a well. I did not understand much of the details of how he is managing for the time being - bathing, dishes, laundry, etc. But he has a plan. What a story!>>

It seems that all this could have been avoided if the town had held open hearings or informational meetings prior to the installation of these new meters and told the installers how to treat anyone who refused the meters with respect instead of using intimidation and threats.

Ted Miles

Silver City