MLIRD announces board candidates

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District recently announced that Moses Lake business owner David Skaug and former Grant County undersheriff Ken Kernan are candidates for a position on the board of directors.

Skaug and Kernan will be campaigning for the spot on the MLIRD board that is currently held by Director Rich Archer. Archer said that he will not be running for re-election.

The MLIRD election will be held on Dec. 11 this year.

Both candidates were given the chance to address MLIRD ratepayers during a board meeting Tuesday night.

Kernan told ratepayers that he wanted to bring balance to the board, which was one of the reasons he decided to run for the position.

"The current board is polarized, I intend to bring balance to the board," said Kernan. "Nothing is really being accomplished, and I think they need someone who will bring reason back to the board."

As a long-time Moses Lake resident, Kernan said he is concerned about the water quality of the lake, as well as protecting the current water rights.

"I'm afraid right now if things progress the way it's been going, we're going to lose that water right," he said in an interview after the meeting.

Kernan said if more isn't done to take care of the lake now, Moses Lake residents could see the federal government step in and control decisions made about the lake.

"I think the local people would rather deal with local people than the federal government," said Kernan.

Continuing to fund aquatic programs, herbicide spraying and harvesting on the lake is one way MLIRD can protect the quality of the lake water, he said.

Kernan said improving the quality of the water will draw more recreational users to the lake, both residents and tourists alike. With more tourists coming to Moses Lake, the local economy will benefit, he said.

Skaug also said that improving the lake's water quality would be a priority if he is elected.

"I do not enjoy the green water," said Skaug, following the meeting. "I will spare no effort dealing with the algae bloom."

Skaug said that he wants to develop an aggressive herbicide program to help control weed growth in the lake.

Both candidates also addressed the issue of dredging.

Kernan said he is in favor of continuing to use the hydraulic dredge on the lake.

"I'm not opposed to pursuing alternate methods of removing the silt, but we've invested a lot into the dredging," he said. "I've personally observed the dredging and it does work, let's do it while we have the permits."

Skaug said that the dredge should definitely be used this next season, since so much has already gone into the dredge process. However, he would need to figure out just how efficient the dredge is before agreeing to use it again in the future,

"I would insist on a specific plan to measure its efficiency," said Skaug. "If it is cost effective and can have a significant impact on our problem, let full steam ahead."

Skaug said he decided to run for the open position because the lake is an important asset to the community for recreation, tourism and other community activities. As a life-long user of the lake, he wants to make sure it continues to get attention.

"I've seen a lot of changes to our lake, some have been great improvements and some have been developments that cause serious concern," he said.