People in this part of Pennsylvania have been feeling let down by their leaders with increased frequency in recent years.

City residents have seen their most recent mayor indicted (and cleared) and watched constant squabbling between said mayor and City Council paralyze the city to the point where it is in a deep financial hole.

Those living inside and out of the city have also seen their state legislators vote themselves a secret pay increase, have watched a sometimes sleazy battle unfold over the construction of Erie County's first slots casino and have seen several promised projects fall through or run over budget.

So it's no surprise, then, that the majority of those who are responding today to a GoErie.com poll that asks whether the state Public Utility Commission will listen to the public outcry over a rate hike plan filed by National Fuel Gas think the PUC will side with the gas company.

In case you haven't been following the story, NFG is asking for a rate hike that would include a surcharge on customers should natural gas usage fall below a certain level. In essence, the company would be able to add a surcharge to its bills if people use less of its product.

The proposal has created no shortage of controversy -- and a huge amount of public outcry. In fact, more than 500 people turned out yesterday to air their complaints about the plan to the PUC at a public hearing.

The PUC appears to be listening -- but there's still a strong feeling in the community that the voices of the people will not be heard.

Here's hoping the PUC is truly paying attention to what it is hearing before it decides on National Fuel's plan.

If it's not, you can bit that those who live here in Erie will have another reason to feel let down by their leaders.