Skaug shares his approach to MLIRD issues

MOSES LAKE - Thank you for the privilege of asking for your support for the position of Board member of the MLIRD. No, I'm not a glutton for punishment - I just think I can make a difference for good.

You know, when I read the MLIRD "public voting notice" (paid for by the ratepayers) , and my opponent's campaign ads, I didn't realize that if I was elected it could be the end of Modern Civilization as we know it... that we'd lose water rights, property rights, local control and just about everything else if we didn't vote the right way. This of course is absolutely unfounded in fact and, I am sorry to say, just plain scare tactics by those who want to preserve a District culture that overtaxes, under-delivers and refuses to be accountable to the Board and district ratepayers. Be assures out rights are protected by laws and permits, some going back to 1928. Our water rights aren't going anywhere.

Listen, we don't need scare tactics or misinformation. We don't need to make this about who wants the cleanest lake. I know Mr. Kernan and I each want the best for Moses Lake. We just have different thoughts about how to get there. He thinks the assessment rate should remain high... I think it needs to be reduced. I want to measure dredging results and weigh our progress... he apparently does not. He gives management an "A"... I give them a "needs improvement." It's up to you to decide who you think will best represent you on the board. I hope that would be me. But regardless of the election result, it shouldn't be about who wins or loses. It should be about a common goal we all share: How to best function as an irrigation and (increasingly) rehabilitation district and improve the quality of our lake.

We can do it right and we can do it better and I want to be a catalyst to the Board that makes that happen. We are all in the same boat and in the end we are all losers if we waste our resources. No the sky is not falling nor will the lake dry up and blow away but it won't be all it can be if we don't resolve to work together. But, we are all winners when we are able to make sound decisions and implement good planning with measurable results. Then we will enhance the quality of the lake and the quality of life we seek. If you agree with me, I'd appreciate your vote and thank-you for your support.