Carl Janzen: Vote for support of Proposition 1

The drought has devastated our region and investing in more reliable water supplies for the San Joaquin Valley is critically important. As a member of a valley water board, I have always looked for solutions to improve water reliability. This election provides us an opportunity to improve reliability by voting for Proposition 1.

Passage of Proposition 1 would provide for increased water storage and safer drinking water. This may be one of our last opportunities to get Californians to support funding for water projects. I applaud our Valley legislators who support Proposition 1, especially Representative Jim Costa, who has always stood strong to secure our Valley's water supply.

In stark contrast to Costa’s leadership, his opponent, Johnny Tacherra, opposes Proposition 1 and the water supply improvements it could bring to our Valley. It is one thing to advocate for the Valley, it is another to refuse to say yes when there’s a good deal on the table.

We need voices of reason with the ability to compromise to craft the solutions that will benefit the Valley. Proposition 1 is such a compromise and we deserve leadership that can support these compromises. I know Jim Costa and he provides that leadership.

This story was originally published October 30, 2014 at 1:18 PM with the headline "Carl Janzen: Vote for support of Proposition 1."