To the editor:

In light of the fact Westar wants to increase its rates for the 19th time since 2009, electric rates are out of control.

Since I retired in 2008, my retirement funds were severely damaged by government’s inability to be responsible by allowing stupid financial decisions to be enacted for political gain by both parties. Furthermore, the government then decided to freeze my earned SSA funds and then later decided that their artificially lower rate of inflation should reduce any following COLAs. As a perspective, during the time of 2001 through 2008, my Westar electric rates went up about 3.5 percent per year, BUT, during the years of 2009 through today, my Westar electric rates have risen about 8.5 percent per year. In light of a shocking word our current president used just a few days ago, I call this action “extortion”against all seniors and everyone else with fixed incomes. A promise this current president proudly kept when running for president is that the large increases in electric rates will soak us all.”

To the Kansas Corporation Commission: Do not fall for this stupid political promise. By permitting further rate increases that are far beyond any inflationary percentages, your actions simply show those of us with fixed incomes that you are nothing more than political puppets of the current federal administration!