Letters: Our water will backfill Governor’s WaterFix scheme

This is all about Gov.’s WaterFix

In regards to upcoming hearings of the State Water Resources Control Board hearings in Sacramento, it is disingenuous of the board and Gov. Jerry Brown to exclude any comments relating his proposed WaterFix water diversion and why this will mean less water will be available to San Joaquin Valley farmers and residents dependent on the Merced, Stanislaus and Tuolumne rivers.

The WaterFix will funnel two-thirds of the Sacramento River water under the San Joaquin Delta southward. The re-allocation of water from our rivers is almost certainly intended to replace fresh water that normally flows into the Delta from the Sacramento to hold back or dilute saltwater.

The lack of transparency is appalling. Gov. Brown is using coercion and backroom dealing with powerful interests such as the Metropolitan Water District, Westlands Water District and likely the oil industry (water is needed for fracking) in trying to accomplish what his Peripheral Canal failed to do over 30 years ago.

We need a rational and fair water policy that balances protection of the environment, provides safe drinking water and meets agricultural and urban needs. Upgrading our deteriorating water infrastructure, increased groundwater recharge and conservation measures are necessary – not robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Atwater’s lack of leadership shows

Atwater and Merced offer a tale of two cities, who both endured the same brutal recession. Merced is enjoying the fruits of economic success; Atwater is stuck in the mud of stagnation.

Merced, under the leadership of Mayor Mike Murthy, just approved a budget that shows what good government can do. The new fiscal year will bring in new police officers, street repairs, funding for youth programs and, the crown jewel of their success, $250,000 for the city’s reserves.

Atwater is continuing it’s multi-year descent into insolvency. Led by Mayor Jim Price, known for his squirrel-hunting venture, is on pace to record its sixth year in a row of general fund deficits, fueled by outrageous pay increases for senior staff and reckless spending.

State officials are alarmed enough to keep their high-risk aduit team ready to go to Atwater in February and impose draconian measures if finances continue to spiral.

How can two sister cities turn out so diametrically different? It’s all about leadership. One has it, the other doesn’t .