Time is running out to file your protest to protect yourself from Lakeport’s proposed 100-percent water and sewer rate increase.

It must be filed by Sept. 18, 2012.

The proposed rate increase will change Lakeport as you know it. Gone will be green lawns and backyard gardens. More businesses will have to fold up. We will become a brown and dying city with a huge debt.

Tell the City Council we cannot afford their big plans in these tough times.

File your protest now. Tell the city, “I protest the proposed water and sewer rate increase.” Don’t let the city’s misleading notice trick you into thinking you can’t protest both.

Thank you to everyone who has already protested. Together we can do this!

Bob Bridges lives in Lakeport, Calif.