To the editor Arizona Daily Sun
(Editor’s note: Posting opinion pieces is strictly for purposes of discussion.)
Re: “Canyon trails get $1 million” (Feb. 8).
My first reaction was that it’s great to see local (OK, this is regional) business stepping up to help preserve our natural assets.
As I read, I remembered that APS is a government-regulated “Public Service” company. It is problematic when an entity takes funds from people for one purpose, and then redirects it to another. (e.g., Komen donating to Planned Parenthood, or universities donating to PBS.) This sets up potential conflicts of interest. The more the government is involved (via regulation or taxation), the more problematic it is.
If APS is taking in more money than they need to provide power (now and in the future), they should reduce their rates, and then we, the people, could decide which needs we individually want to support.
I recommend that anyone who wants to support the Grand Canyon check out the Grand Canyon Association — that is their purpose.
Carol Kendall
Flagstaff
