City wants her cent-pay up

more: http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/11/18/news/3949473.txt

City wants her cent
BY MATT KAKLEY SUN CHRONICLE STAFFTuesday, November 18, 2008 2:40 AM EST


Eileen Wilbur, who has lived at 16 Glenn St. in South Attleboro since 1959, received a bill from the city Monday stating that if she does not pay an outstanding utility balance of one penny by Dec. 10 she will face penalties of up to $48, along with a lien on her property. (Staff photo by Mark Stockwell)

City wants her cent

Bill threatens lien, penalty to elderly, blind homeowner who owes one cent
ATTLEBORO - A 74-year-old blind woman has been told a lien will be put on her South Attleboro home if she doesn't come up with a penny she owes on an outstanding utility bill.

Eileen Wilbur, of Glenn Street, said she discovered the notice of the potential lien after her daughter, Rose Brederson, came over to read her mail.

"It's so upsetting," Wilbur said. "It sent my blood pressure up so high."

She should pay the bill and add 10 cents more to the payment so the utility will have to keep the credit on record.

It is a city owned utility? Time for some changes in local leadership. This would make some great political ads.

There is nothing else to say about this. This sort of exploitation of the vulnerable segments of society ought to carry with it either a civil penalty, or a criminal one. To attempt to turn 1 penny into a windfall that is probably worth at least $100000 is unconscionable.