What: “Pros and Cons: Who Should Own the Monterey Peninsula’s Water Distribution System?”
Representatives from Public Water Now (PWN)(www.publicwaternow.org) and from California American Water (Cal Am) (www.amwater.com/caaw) will address questions related to the proposed November 2018 initiative to buy the local assets of Cal Am (force public ownership of the now-private water system). The issues to be discussed include management, decision-making, water quality, rates, customer relations, and how well the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District might compare should they take over management of the water system.
PWN will be represented by Michael Baer and Doug Wilhelm, and Cal Am will be represented by Catherine Steadman, Central California Manager of External Affairs, and Evan Jacobs, Northern California Manager of External Affairs.
All speakers will address Cal Am’s performance and how MPWMD might perform regarding: maintaining viability of resources including water quality, environmental standards, and maintaining a sustainable water supply; maintaining physical assets including long-range plans for maintenance and improvements; setting fair and responsible rates, including costs that address unapproved future projects in a transparent manner, and providing rate information to the public; maintaining an efficient local office (including responding quickly to complaints, providing well-trained staff and responsive management, through transparent decision-making processes); and why voters should support or oppose the proposed initiative.
The forum is presented by the League of Women Voters of Monterey County.
When: Wednesday, 8 November 2017
Lunch: Noon ($17/person; provided by The Valley Grille)
Presentation: 12:30pm-1:30pm (free and open to the public)
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church
490 Aguajito Road, Carmel, CA 93940
Please RSVP if you’re attending the luncheon portion by Saturday, November 4 2017. RSVPs must be sent to Beverly Bean at beverlygb@gmail.com or phone (831-484-2451). Payment for lunch can be made in cash or check and is payable upon arrival.
Further questions about the upcoming presentation? Please contact Beverly Bean at beverlygb@gmail.com
