GUEST EDITORIAL: Covey responds to Hansen about MLIRD

MOSES LAKE - Let's get right to the point. It has been said if one hears a lie long enough, they begin to believe it is the truth. To be very honest, I'm tired of the lies, half truths and misleading statements from Mick Hansen. This is simply a re-run of last year's election rhetoric.

If Hansen would just be honest with the public and let it be known that he has a personal vendetta against Moses Lake Rehabilitation and Irrigation District (MLIRD) and Curt Carpenter, involving a deceased family member, things would make a lot more sense. A vendetta however, is not a good reason to be running for public office.

Hansen has accused me of conspiring with the MLIRD staff in ballot tampering or cheating in last year's election. Absolutely not true.

He has stated in his most recent election advertisement that over $800,000 has been spent this year on the dredging project - not true. The photo showing sediment, net settlement, is misleading. He also states that nothing was done to change the election process. The facts are the district, with their legal counsel, looked into what it would take to change the election procedure and determined it would take a great deal of time and money to contact all of the irrigation districts in the state, garner their support for the change and then spearhead the process through the legislature. Hansen sat in the board meeting when this was thoroughly explained but apparently chose to ignore it.

I can't believe Hansen would accuse the district of purposely letting the Parker Horn pump station freeze up. This was the result of a power outage in the downtown Moses Lake corridor last year.

MLIRD has worked diligently on correcting the rolls for the district but the facts are, we have to wait for the county to provide us with an accurate list of ratepayers and parcel numbers in order to contact ratepayers regarding their assessments. We are still waiting for that.

With regards to the partial sinking of the dredge, having sat in on the interview with Det. Melvin, Grant County Sheriff's Office, no names were mentioned or fingers pointed at anyone that might have been involved with the incident. By the way, the dredge was scheduled for removal from the lake on Nov. 30 and that was successfully completed.

With regard to contract renewals and wage increases, it was determined, and unanimously approved, to give staff cost of living increases in 2012 since none were given in 2011. Director Archer did vote against the general manager's contract extension but in view of the fact that he is the only salaried staffer, Director Benson and I felt that the extension was appropriate. His increase, as well as the others, was based on the current West Coast CPI. For the record, the general manager's salary will be $96,000 per year, not well over $100,000 as Hansen alluded to.

Hansen's attack on Bill Bailey with regard to ownership of the building MLIRD leases is a non-issue. The question has been through legal channels and there is no conflict of interest. The lease bridges the term of office for this director's position. If there were discussions regarding the lease and Mr. Bailey were a director, he would have to abstain from any dialog or voting.

At a recent board meeting, we did modify the election process in order to provide for an elections advocate and thereby having two keys to the ballot box. The advocate was unanimously approved by the board and will assist in the elections process. It was incumbent upon us to make sure we followed the RCWs to the letter to avoid the possibility of a lawsuit and the nullification of the election.

Hansen talks about transparency at the district. This year we held four "Lake Forums" and sent quarterly newsletters, "The Lake View," in an attempt to better inform the ratepayers of the activities at MLIRD. We have a board of directors and staff willing to take telephone calls five days a week. Let's be honest Mr. Hansen, doesn't the transparency issue involve you and your vendetta more than anything else.

The bottom line is enough with the lies, half truths and misleading statements. Just state the facts, nothing more, nothing less and let the ratepayers make an informed decision when it comes to the election this year.

Finally, everyone needs to know that I am speaking for myself, not MLIRD or the board of directors. This is what I know to be the plain, simple truth and needs to be known by the ratepayers of this district.