Let's not cloud the issue of waste water cost ("Lost Legal Battle Means Big Jump in Sewer Rates," March 29).

The 66 percent increase stated in the article includes increased Alcosan charges. But the reality of the situation is that West View's lost legal battle against Girty's Run Sewer Authority caused the waste water rates to nearly triple for West View residents! Using the 15,000 gallon hypothetical example from the article, West View residents are now paying $64.34 per quarter versus the previous cost of $22.08.

If West View hadn't taken such a "hard-nosed stand," the residents would have been faced with a $3 million bill in 1996. Instead, now they have to pay to float a bond for $13.7 million, which includes 10 years of attorneys' costs, 10 years of court fees and 10 years of interest.

This is the cost increase due to the "lost legal battle."

JOEL BALLON

West View