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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 9, 2009

Electric Bill Doubled

If TECO hasn't raised base rates since 1992, then why has my total bill more than doubled in the last five years alone?

The shell game continues and everyone is expected to believe it. My auto-pay limit was reached two months in a row and went unnoticed until I received my final notice to pay my bill. Coincidentally, that notice came the same day the Tribune ran the article stating TECO has not raised the base rate since 1992.

A short five years ago, I set that cap at twice my normal monthly bill to be sure my monthly bill would be covered. The bottom line is still what matters to the customers.

LARRY RUCH

Tampa

Beware Socialized Care

Anyone who thinks socialized medicine is better for our country should look to Canada. The average citizen there does not get responsive medical care.

Need elective surgery, like a knee operation? Wait time: 1.5 years. An MRI to confirm a brain tumor? Ninety days. With an aggressive cancer, a person could die within 90 days without treatment.

If he goes to Buffalo for an MRI, he would have to wait 90 days for treatment, despite proof. Could he go to Buffalo for treatment? The Canadian government will pay for testing and treatment outside its borders, right? True, but he would need to apply in advance, and the processing time for approval is over 90 days.

Only the rich, who can afford to go outside of Canada, are safe from socialized medicine.

RICHARD GOLDEN

San Antonio

Shave Less To Save Water

Whenever we're in a drought condition we read that we need to conserve water. But short of suggesting that we follow lawn sprinkling regulations, no one goes much further. Most people living in apartment complexes or condo/townhome associations have nothing to do with the amount of watering of their property. I do.

I've cut down how much sprinkling we're doing at our 30-unit townhome. But there's more individuals can do. Check for water leaks and running toilets. Brush your teeth without the water on. Wash large loads of dishes in the dishwasher.

If you're not exercising and working up a sweat, or lead a rather sedentary life, one shower a day should suffice, and if push comes to shove, a sponge bath every other day might have to be the fix. But more than that, men can shave every other, or even every third, day. And women, most of whom shave in the shower, can forego leg shaving on a daily basis.

DAVID LUBIN

Tampa

JOIN DISCUSSION

The Tribune welcomes letters and e-mails from readers. The text should be original and no longer than 150 words. By making a submission, you agree the Tribune may edit the letter for length and clarity, and publish it in any medium. Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Mail to: P.O. Box 191, Tampa, FL 33601-0191. Or e-mail without attachments: tribletters@tampatrib.com.

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