Wednesday, September 287 2006

Kranz's initiate is best choice for Middle Fork funds

A focus on the Kranz initiative for the Middle Fork is necessary. Others seem distracted, mesmerized by a pot of gold. That's understandable, but doesn't recognize the risks nor adequately address our needs.

Water and power are the most pressing matters of this century. We must act now and unified towards reinvestment of potential revenues from the Middle Fork into water, water quality and power needs that benefit Placer County. Waiting serves others.

Kranz's initiative will better help PCWA focus on its mission and the board of supervisors do their job, without distraction from special interests clamoring for payoffs.

Cities and special districts will help us win. These groups aren't minor players. They already are investor partners. Likewise, the citizens own the Middle Fork. We are shareholders in this asset and own the dividends - not stakeholders to be paid-off.

Preventing energy companies or the government - likely competitors for license and/or revenues - from using our disagreements against us is critical. Backroom deals and secrecy aren't effective strategies - they encourage division and fuel others' opportunity.

Comprehensive and balanced, Kranz's initiative brings accountability, responsibility and transparency to securing water and power resources in Placer County.

Unless we band together to realize this opportunity, to have not is the likely outcome. We don't want to be holding an empty bag of unfulfilled promise or fool's gold. Let us share in this unique opportunity and secure a future where lower taxes, user fees and utility rates are reality. What a legacy.

John Greene

Weimar