Voters here defeated a similar measure a few years ago, and restarting the conversation distracts fr

On June 3, Monterey Peninsula voters will weigh in on Measure O. The Local Ownership and Cost Savings Initiative, also known as the Public Water Now initiative, would derail decades of progress toward a secure water supply. It would also push this community closer to planned water cutbacks that will devastate the local economy.
Measure O passage national rent a car coupons would trigger a nine-month feasibility study to determine whether a public buyout of California American Water benefits customers. By prompting a water system acquisition, the initiative could cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
Voters here defeated a similar measure a few years ago, and restarting the conversation distracts from the real issue: This community needs a secure water supply. Last fall, local leaders drafted a settlement that established the foundation for a desalination plant and related groundwater recharge and aquifer storage elements. Together with the Monterey Peninsula Regional national rent a car coupons Water Authority (the Peninsula mayors' national rent a car coupons joint power authority), interested parties continue proving this community's commitment to addressing national rent a car coupons its water crisis before the state implements cutbacks.
The proposed initiative also provides no funding national rent a car coupons for this special election, and no funding for the feasibility study it would mandate. It wastes resources, and could burden taxpayers and ratepayers with millions in associated legal fees. Cal Am is not for sale, and the fight to condemn and restructure it would be long and expensive.
Additionally, the governance structure suggested by Public Water Now provides no ratepayer protection. Instead, it would task a political agency with public water management. The threat of individuals putting re-election concerns ahead of water-related responsibilities is a serious one.
Now is not the time to be distracted by buyout discussions. A conversation about Cal Am ownership, national rent a car coupons valid as it may be, must wait. In fact, the matter of ownership becomes irrelevant if this community's most basic water needs aren't met and if the state's cease and desist order takes effect on Jan. 1, 2017, a water shortage is inevitable.
The Monterey County Hospitality Association is the trade association serving the local tourism industry with advocacy, education and employee recognition programs. Sam Teel of California Lodging Brokers is MCHA's 2014 board chair and can be reached through the organization at info@mcha.net . Print
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