Monterey County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) Adopts Neutral Stance on Measure O Despite Plea from Jason Burnett to Vinz Koller, Chair, Executive Board, Monterey County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) to Oppose Measure O

ABSTRACT: Despite Jason Burnett’s plea of “Please show your support for your elected officials working so hard on a water supply and vote NO on Measure O” to Vinz Koller, Chair, Executive Board, Monterey County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC), the Monterey County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) “has decided to remain neutral on Measure O,” "Shall the ordinance, Measure 0, which directs the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District to adopt a policy to move toward public ownership of all water systems within its boundaries by conducting a feasibility study, and if deemed feasible, move forward with acquisition of all such water systems' assets, be adopted?," the June 3, 2014 ballot initiative by Public Water Now, according to The Monterey County Herald.  In Mayor Jason Burnett’s letter, dated March 25, 2014, he claims: “The only real threat to our continued progress is the effect of Measure O driving a wedge between two of the partners – the Water Management District and CalAm – such that the current healthy tension turns into unhealthy division. In fact, Measure O could very easily disrupt the public financing we agreed to in the Settlement, actually increasing CalAm profit potential and therefore our water rates.” He claims: “Worse yet, Measure O stands to slow the progress on the water supply project itself.” He claims: “Defeating Measure O would send a strong signal that we remain focused on a new water supply to serve our community and would put us in the best position possible for returning to the state to seek a modified CDO deadline.” And he claims: “Measure O puts our water supply project in jeopardy and risks throwing us into economically harmful water rationing. Measure O is a symbolic gesture divorced from the practical realities of water supply. If passed, it will divide our community right at the time when we need to stay united.”  Jason Burnett’s letter, dated March 25, 2014, to MCDCC Chair Koller is embedded.

Mayor Burnett Letter

FROM: JASON KESTREL BURNETT
TO: MCDCC Chair Koller
DATE: March 25, 2014