One very important issue that hasn’t been discussed as much in the undergrounding debate is the fact that literally every homeowner in AD118 will have to sign contracts with electrical contractors (for connections, needed upgrades to wiring and junction boxes, etc.) and/or general contractors (trenching, construction, painting, etc.) to connect their homes to the new underground infrastructure. Significantly, it should be noted that the prime initiator of the AD118 undergrounding petition and to whom all of the petition signatures are sent happens to be an electrical contractor who stands to benefit from this undergrounding process. Talk about the fox guarding the henhouse! He should have removed himself from the whole process rather than being its leader! Aside from these expenses, which could be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 depending upon our homes (this amount is in addition to the $20-25,000 assessment tax and not covered by the financing offered by the City), is the fact that at least 518 individual agreements must be signed with these contractors. I don’t know about anyone else, but my experience with contractors is far from perfect and occasionally can even result in litigation. City council members: please end this undergrounding process that could force us to pay tens of thousands of dollars for aesthetics, and force us to pay contractors to invade our homes. I find this to be very stressful in these hard economic times that we are recovering from. I’m not rich just blessed. Wendy Flotow Newport Beach
