Joe Connolly: Transparency of Amherst’s water and sewer regulations

I read with interest the front page Gazette article, “Town piecing together water, sewer regs.” (March 8)

I fully support Elsie Fetterman and her position that no town resident should be responsible for bearing the sole cost of a public infrastructure repair, in this instance, $18,800.

Some 15 years ago, our family was hit by a similar expense incurred when there was a break in the sewer line in front of our house. Despite evidence that a third party was responsible for damage to the line below the street, and despite the resulting the damage to our residence, we ended up paying the full cost of sewer line repair. Our appeal to the town was dismissed out of hand, without explanation. We were told that our only recourse was to hire a lawyer.

It’s too late for justice in our case. It’s not too late for the town to do right by Elsie Fetterman and to set in place a fair and transparent water/sewer line repair process.

Joe Connolly

Amherst