No taxation without representation
MOSES LAKE - As a resident business owner, tax payer, employer and longtime volunteer on many local boards, I see obvious reasons and many subtle cost-benefits of having a clean and healthy lake at the center of our community. Our homes, businesses and property values are obviously at stake. Without Moses Lake, I doubt many of us would choose to live here. I once took the lake for granted, assuming it was "natural" rather than a lake "managed" mainly for irrigation. Shortly after landing a job here in 1975, I realized Moses Lake was slowly dying from a complex set of natural and human conditions. Today our lake is recovering due to a wise board decision over 40 years go to add "rehabilition" to the irrigation district mission. We simply cannot afford to short-change the lake now. Thank you Clint Connelly, Huck Fuller and Edward Hull.
Please bear with this short story about filing for the open Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District (MLIRD) board of directors position as Norm Benson retires after many years of service. We rate-payers owe him thanks for his quiet leadership in the wise board decision in 2007 to recruit a full-time manager to protect and restore our lake for generations to come. In-house staff was hired to save money after an early dredging estimate came in at $3 million plus, just to dredge Parker Horn!
Tough decisions like these help explain the need for experienced directors. A tight-fisted board understands that always hiring contractors means paying someone else's overhead, labor, travel and fixed costs for rented or leased equipment. We don't have the financial resources. Board members also realize that the consequence of reckless shortcuts is fiscal folly. I pledge to support sound science and common sense. What's prudent for lake management is also good for rate payers and good for our local community.
Still, effective results are not cheap. As a long-time volunteer/helper on Connelly Park improvements, I've kept an eye on district operations, budgets and other projects, especially since 2007. My business style is to listen, plan, delegate and expect results within budget. MLIRD is performing well. While most projects can certainly be improved, it's silly to argue against better-than-ever water quality test results. The record is sold after four years using three integrated plans also developed by staff. Common sense and positive outcome speaks the truth effectively.
As an outdoor recreation advocate, MLIRD rate-payer, and admitted budget hawk, I have no ax to grind. I believe our rates are fair, especially when compared with inflation. Please read the district newsletter, or spend a few minutes at www.mlird.org for more of this multi-part story. Annual assessments are our best insurance to protect property values. The district has zero debt even after upgrading the pump station, outlet dam and nearly every other piece of outdated irrigation gear. Facts matter in the election.
Decades of silt/sediment build up is being removed from Parker Horn. The sediment trap has been created this year according to district plan, and is in place to receive additional sediment with the increase in water flow this coming spring, a huge and necessary step. It's no surprise busy folks have little time to appreciate either the complexity or the legal requirements involved. On the other hand, anyone who disregards the facts, or ignores the public records with wild claims about a better way to simply not credible. Sound science and straight talk also matter.
The district has legal permits for annual herbicide treatments, weed harvesting operations and dredging to deal with invasive plants, shoreline access and literally thousands of cubic yards of sediment that have been choking Moses Lake for a very long time. The current plan of attack is working. Bottom line, more has been accomplished in the last 5 years than in the previous 40 to rehabilitate Moses Lake. Learn the truth before voting. If you cannot vote in person, please call the district office today for an absentee ballot request because time is short.
Recently, district management scored a major win with over $300,000 in outside money to battle invasive week species. This equates to a big savings for rate payers. Where state and federal agencies were once overlooked, they are now "partners" who share our lake restoration goals. Competing for grans has led to better internal records, increased staff knowledge and exciting new relationships. If elected, I will protect the district's vital water right, speak respectfully, honor the mission and pro-active history, and support the hands-on skills of a dedicated staff. Results matter.
I know how effective boards should run as I have an am currently serving on successful local boards. They begin with mutual respect, open minds, and most importantly "objectivity." With management skills learned over 30 years in private business as a partner and owner, I stand with practical folks who support positive leadership and pro-active lake rehabilitation, today and tomorrow. The consequences of radical ideas and risky budget cuts are not worth the price. Protect the lake and it will pay us back.
Lastly, your vote really counts in the director selection process, the only local election that honors the Constitutional "no taxation without representation" principal with two votes per parcel. District property owners not only have the right to chose directors, but all assessments are retained and used locally. Please exercise your unique voting rights.
If you want to see water aulity and shoreline access continue to improve, while also helping the local economy create new jobs, I respectfully ask for your support at the district election on Dec. 13, 1 to 8 p.m. at 211 N Elder St. (Five Corners, the old Pay-n-Pak) in downtown Moses Lake.