Kernan talks dredging, his strengths for MLIRD

GUEST EDITORIAL

MOSES LAKE - If elected to the position of Moses Lake Irrigation Rehabilitation District Director, I will take into consideration the position of both other directors on the issue at hand before making my decision. However, neither they nor anyone else dictates to me. All decisions I make as a Director will be based solely on the facts and what I believe is the right thing to do for the community, the District, and the lake itself.

MOSES LAKE - If elected to the position of Moses Lake Irrigation Rehabilitation District Director, I will take into consideration the position of both other directors on the issue at hand before making my decision. However, neither they nor anyone else dictates to me. All decisions I make as a Director will be based solely on the facts and what I believe is the right thing to do for the community, the District, and the lake itself.

MLIRD is one of the larger irrigation districts. I favor a five member Board. That issue is on the ballot this year for the rate payers to decide.

The Board virtually shut down dredging this year. That was a foolish move. The dredge is the only mechanism in play for silt removal. It took years to obtain the 5 year permit. That permit is renewable but renewability is dependent upon performance. Don't think the federal and state agencies that have to sign off on the permit's renewal were not watching what went on this year. Dredging may not work fast enough for some but none can deny it does work. I have no problem with continuing to pursue other methods of silt removal but it's stupid not to use the one we have in hand.

Don't believe the hysteria. The MLIRD staff is doing a professional job protecting and restoring our lake. I've attended nearly every MLIRD Board meeting this year. There's no justification for casting doubt on successful projects or attacking staff members. Too much is at stake for this to continue. Water rights and property values are too precious to risk by running off to Olympia to change irrigation laws without first consulting with rate payers. If elected, I'll work to retain local control of our lake and help restore civility to Board decisions. I encourage you to watch what actually happens on the lake, rather than listening to rumors and accusations. Our lake has begun to recover due to a wise board decision long ago when the Board added rehabilitation to the irrigation district mission. We can't afford to short change the lake now. What's prudent for lake management is also good for rate payers and our local economy. Vote Ken Kernan, MLIRD director, position #3 on Dec. 11.