Over the last few weeks we’ve been hammering the Atlanta Water Department about exorbitant water bills people are getting. We know about these ridiculously high bills because the public contacts us asking for help. That’s a BIG reason why this television news station is here. To help the viewing public and be the voice for those who feel they have none.
It flies in the face of logical thinking that someones water bill can jump from $50 to $1,600 overnight. If it were me, after looking at the bill and expanding my vocabulary with expletives in at least seven languages, I would make a call to the water department and ask ‘WHY?’ If given the response some say they’ve gotten of ‘that’s what you used’, I’d then call a plumber to check for a leak. A really big leak. Assuming there’s no leaks … What gives??!!
Water Commissioner Rob Hunter’s handling of his news conference has infuriated people I’ve talked to. What would be so wrong with saying, ‘Some of these bills I’m hearing about shock me as well. I appreciate the media bringing them to my attention and we will investigate each and every one of them over the next few weeks.’ Reporter question: ‘Could these new electronic meters be responsible?’ Answer: ‘It’s certainly possible. We’re going to check the meters in question.’ DONE! FINISHED! END OF NEWS CONFERENCE!! … Then follow through with what you said you’d do.
Where is the city’s PR person on this hot topic? If you’re reading this you need to tell Mr. Hunter do not duck the media. It makes you look really, really bad. The water department is your gig Mr. Hunter … in good times and bad. And I guarantee you that the viewing audience was cheering when our reporters finally interrupted your glorified rant about what a great job your department is doing. It took reporters Adam Murphy and Wendy Saltzman asking you the tough questions for you to finally get to the point.
The explanations given for the mind numbing water bills is unacceptable. Nobody is buying it. What’s even more disturbing is the appearance of the departments acceptance of a 5% customer dissatisfaction rate. The only way evil can succeed, is for good men and women to stand by and do nothing. We expect more from our city government.
