Your Opinion: Ameren's internal expenses

Dear Editor,

I tried very hard to understand the need and frequencies for rate increases that Ameren has/is requesting. Most Ameren consumers and myself were perplexed, and felt that a true answer was unavailable. But to my delight the need was explained in print by the St Louis Post Dispatch.

I'm sure we will all be delighted to know that the chief executive officer was paid a total of $4.7 million last year, including a $1 million bonus and a $2.5 million stock award. Last July, he received a 9 percent salary increase and this past January a 10 percent. How many hard workers in today's business world had salary increases like Mr. Voss did. I'm willing to venture NONE, most are fortunate to have a job. Missouri's unemployment rate stands at 9.6 percent. I suppose this is Mr. Voss's reward for being successful in gaining rate increases. I say this to the Missouri PSC, heed our plea, no rate increases until Ameren cleans up their internal expenses.