Related item: http://www.prattontexas.com/_disc1/000003bc.htm

To Pratt on Texas,

This is a follow-up letter or response to your show yesterday June 10th, 2010 regarding the toilet patrolmen.  I was unable to call in and ask questions of the representatives of the City of Lubbock.  Below is my recent experience with City of Lubbock Water Utilities.

I am a small business owner and have been practicing for over 20 years here in Lubbock.  Last year at this time all individual Dental, Medical, and Chiropractic offices were given a similar letter and were inspected by the City of Lubbock Water Utilities for backflow and cross connection control problems.  Your "City Advisors" were hesitant regarding the penalties for failure to comply regarding the cutting off of the water supply.  Here is what our letter stated as penalties for non-compliance:

"Failure or refusal to have a backflow prevention assembly installed within 30 days from the date of this letter shall be grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises listed above until such requirements have been met" 

additional threats:

"Failure to take the required action within the time specified may result in (1) a criminal penalty of up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) per day for each violation upon conviction in municipal court, (2) a lawsuit to enforce this article being filed against the owner in the state court and possible recovery of a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day of each violation, and (3) discontinuation of water service."

Now your listeners will understand the reason for minimal response by the "City Representatives" when you asked the important question of what would the city do!!!

Fortunately my office only had two small areas needing attention (ex. having a Certified Backflow Tester come out and test the sprinkler system).  However the letters had the language of JAIL TIME if I didn't jump promptly!!  The City of Lubbock didn't charge us but we had to pay (at our expense) for the outside companies to come perform the various tests, repairs, and then re-test! 

MY CURRENT CONCERNS:

1. Our rights have already been broken once with the inspection last year.

2. Any areas of concern have been met and given Approval by the City of Lubbock Water Utilities as of October 2009.

3. All calls to the City regarding question of this additional inspection have been met with "we don't know" answers. (it's the state..)

4. Attention to our patients will be reduced as we are required to meet the needs of additional inspections.

5. Stress on staff and self with undergoing additional unknown testing from an unknown company.

6. I'm concerned with the potential for a "contracted company's conflict-of-interest" to "validate it's existence by ensuring something is found Out-of-Compliance" so the "MILK MONEY" being paid by our City Government (Us Tax Payers) doesn't stop flowing!!

7. What was the Purpose of the First Invasion of my Business Privacy?

I am a strong believer in conservative values and limitation of Government's power to invade personal freedoms and liberty!!  I rolled over the first time but after hearing your show I will stand up for my RIGHTS, LIBERTIES, AND FREEDOM from undue search!  I have already passed inspection and there is no need for additional personal invasion!! 

Thank you for your show and I look forward each and everyday to listening to your expertise regarding local and national news!!

Sincerely,

(name withheld but known to Pratt on Texas as a local professional)

Pratt responds:

Not polite but,... I told you so. DO NOT EVER ALLOW GOVERNMENT TO ENTER YOUR PROPERTY FOR AN INSPECTION WITHOUT A WARRANT (exception would be if you've waived that right by having a license to operate which allows for such SPECIFIC inspection - all others should be resisted.)
 

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