Well, here's something Humongous you might not want to close your eyes to here in the 'DemBadLands' of Downtown Edison!

Well, saw this piece here about the potential $800 million Water and Sewer deal the town is considering and may soon enter into a 40-year agreement with Suez North America to operate and manage Edison's water and sewer systems.

According to this piece, 'Mayor Lankey outlined the principle terms of the agreement during his speech on Thursday. According to Mr. Lankey, Suez has agreed to:  

           1.         Capital improvements by Suez to Edison’s water and wastewater systems.

           2.         Provide the Township with a sizable “upfront payment” ($100 million) that the Township will use to retire its existing debt and utilize a small portion for the  design, development   and construction of a new municipal Community Center.

           3.         Provide improved service to the Township’s residential and  business customers.

           4.         Rate protection and keeping the senior freeze intact

According to Mr. Lankey, the total value of the transaction over 40 years, inclusive of investments to infrastructure, will be $811,344,330.'

Also, according to this piece, it comes with a lot of controversy and sites examples from other towns including our own township attorney's involvement.

Apparently, there will be a public hearing on March 28 on the proposed lease agreement. 

It's always interesting to me when they call a public meeting and they're the only ones who know all the important details and the public does not. Guess we have to play 20 questions to get all the details about what constitutes the deal they apparently agreed to and just needs council approval.

And let's face it, not for nothing but you can't always rely on the 7 processing clerks to do what's in the best interests of the People of Edison.

Maybe it's me, but something this humongous, controversial and long-term shouldn't be left to Mayor Lankey and his all -Dem Council to decide in a hurry - it should be put up on a ballot referendum, which gives the People a chance to gain the same understanding about the deal that the Council apparently has and then let the People decide.

Anyhoo, what do I know? I still can't figure out how the powers-that-be here in Downtown Edison think that you can have an open, honest and free exchange of ideas about anything in this town when not everyone is given the opportunity of dealing off the same facts at the same time!