-Letter of The Week-

Recall of Rio Linda / Elverta
Water District Directors

As Executive Director of the Sacramento Taxpayers League, I have represented the interest of rate and taxpayers in rate and tax issues involving every type of utility service provided to citizens of the county, and four of its cities. I have also watched a number of recall efforts, actual and threatened, ranging from city council members, school trustees, fire fighters and cops, to water and power special district directors. In almost all cases those pressing for recalls do so on an emotional, rather than factual basis. And in such cases recall advocates fail either because they lack enough signatures to qualify the recall ballot, or once the true facts and arguments appear in the Voter's Pamphlet, the recall effort is rejected. Such seems to be the case developing in this attempted recall.

I am also the President of the Northridge Water District, personally involved with California water problems since the 70's. I understand the problems of the Rio Linda/Elverta Water District, and know it must raise rates to survive. I also know the three Directors being attacked, one a League Director, and do not believe allegations made about any of them. All the water district's directors are working with a citizen's committee now to determine how best to handle the problems, and to minimize the rate impact. And that's what should be done.

I recommend that Rio Linda/Elverta water rate payers wondering whether to sign recall petitions read former General Manager Mike Phelan's explanation of the problems in the December 28, 2000 Rio Linda/Elverta News. It is an unemotional and accurate explanation of the problems that created the need for the increase. If they cannot obtain a copy, call my home at (916) 331-8922 and I'll arrange to provide one. [click here to review that article]

When considering the future of these elected public officials, accurate information is essential, whether it be to vote for them in the future, or try to remove them. The old axiom "that good men are hard to find'" applies here, so voters must be careful, and consider what they would do as directors, if confronted with the problems.