Who are these “YELLOW POSTER” people?
Almost, as if by magic, late last week yellow posters appeared throughout the area announcing a “Town” meeting decrying the current issue of our recent high electric utility bills here in Berlin MD. Sometimes numbering as many as three on a pole, the signs have provoked much attention and curiosity. Alas, being of a curious nature I stopped yesterday to find out more and found no name/sponsor, nor contact number, for this “meeting” appearing. Is it a secret? Why?
Let’s back up, for some time now Berliner’s have been experiencing “electric shock” – high rates along with an unfathomable PCA (Power Cost Adjustment) charge on our bills each month. The rates are understandable when viewed from the wider perspective of nationwide increased energy costs overall. Though, the PCA charge remains a puzzle for most! We are owed a better clarification on the reverse of our bills!
Regardless, citing citizen concern, Councilwoman Ellen Lang during a public meeting many weeks ago, requested that our rates be more closely investigated by Staff and Council. The result 
of that request – announced at last night’s (August 25th) gathering is the hiring of Booth & Associates, an electric consulting service, to take a hard look at the operation of our Berlin Electric Company toward reducing costs while increasing efficiencies thus saving money! Having followed this issue closely I was delighted! Thank you Ellen, Staff, Mayor Williams and Council members!
Nevertheless, the remainder of last night’s meeting continued rife with testimony from economically stretched and unhappy ratepayers including several allusions to the upcoming “yellow poster” meeting. Finally, it was carefully explained that the Town of Berlin Maryland government had nothing to do with that meeting and that our Mayor, Council Members nor staff would be present for any rebuttal to any possible accusations. So, if not Town sponsored, who then are these mysterious folks? During the M & C meeting one clue came clear – it’s campaign season! How could I have forgotten?
To my mind these unnamed sponsors of the “Yellow Poster” meeting are doing a disservice to both concerned citizens and to themselves. To “capitalize” and politicize the current economic distress of many for whatever gain is wrong especially in light of the varied and numerous available avenues of direct access to our legitimate elected and appointed officials – our neighbors in fact! Town Hall is but a mile, a phone call or an email away from any of us! Don’t be misled by these anonymous “Yellow Poster” people – whoever they are!
