I was encouraged and pleasantly surprised to see Frank Shiers’ cartoon satirizing PSE’s perception of inevitability regarding their Energize Eastside project (“You can’t stop this” in the Sept. 17 issue). For me, the cartoon touched on three interesting questions:

1. Who is overseeing PSE? During the past few months, we’ve learned that neither the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission nor the Attorney General has the power to stop this project, or even compel PSE to provide honest answers to basic questions.

2. Is PSE listening to us? Communication appears to flow in only one direction. Although PSE has conducted an impressive campaign to engage the public during the past year, PSE isn’t hearing what residents are saying. The company is quick to dismiss every reasonable alternative we propose.

3. Is PSE a competent company? The “oops” moment in the cartoon reminds us of various errors and gaps exhibited by PSE during this process. Recently, a PSE representative admitted that shortcomings in PSE’s data reporting and management systems make it difficult for them to define the geographic area they are calling the Eastside, or how many of their customers live there. In a high-tech and data-rich area, it is discouraging to hear that our energy provider is so far behind the times.

As we search for a 21st-century solution to our energy needs, it’s clear that PSE is not going to be a willing partner. We should find and invest in companies and technologies that will address our needs while protecting our neighborhoods and our environment. Fortunately, the Bellevue City Council is hiring an independent expert who will help us determine how to do that, since PSE refuses to consider any solution other than 13-story poles blighting one of the most livable cities in the nation.

Don Marsh, Bellevue