“Dear Shredder (Water)
July 1999
 

Dear Shredder,

Every week as New Times is distributed I quickly scan my copy to see what confused (but entertaining) rambling The Shredder has for us this time. As usual you got it a little off base when you concluded that " Bringing water into an area.... is a tool....intended to fuel growth." Let's see if I can clarify how an ample supply of water does not fuel growth and how a shortage can restrict growth. It may be a little difficult for you, but try to stay with me.

When people move into an area they consider many things; a job, schools, a safe and viable community, climate, housing, cultural and entertainment opportunities, - on and on. Water supply availability is probably around 997 down on a scale of 1000 - just not much of a consideration. Most people don't care whether the city has obtained a 10 year or a 50 year supply of water, as long as we have enough for their needs. If water supply were the major consideration, northern California, not southern California would have most of the state's population.

On the other hand, when theres a SHORTAGE of water, everyone wants his fair share. Citizens insist that legislators make sure we don't run out. Your public servants dutifully respond by imposing rationing, restricting new connections, imposing high fees for connections, requiring expensive retrofitting, and raising water rates. These all discourage growth and, in particular, keep the poor out. Are you following me here, Shredder? It isn't just about slowing growth, but its also about making sure its the "right kind of growth". Bottom line, very few low income families can afford to live in San Luis Obispo. Water supply is a mighty political tool for that purpose.

Running short of water isn't the only useful tool for restricting growth. Pismo Beach found a dandy these past few weeks- exceed the capacity of the sewer plant. Instant growth control!

My 36 year career as Public Works Director and 6 years as councilman have been spent in trying to assure that San Luis Obispo has enough of all basic services to assure a high Quality of Life. The thrust of my recent article and radio comments was that by turning down State Water, we have forced the City Administration to chase other sources which are FAR more expensive and less assured of coming on line. This has been reflected in high water bills which will probably continue into the far distant future.

Sincerely,